The 2-year PG Diploma program uses a multi-disciplinary, research-informed approach to teach clinical and basic science related to the human systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, female reproductive, renal and genitourinary, the eyes, and skin) and diagnostics & therapeutics.
The scientific background is taught in the context of clinical placements in Community Medicine, General Hospital Medicine, Front Door Medicine, Mental Health, General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Paediatrics.
Successful completion of the 2 year PG Diploma enables graduates to take the national certification exam, which is mandatory to register and work as a Physician Associate.
Students benefit from a strong exposure to clinicians and scientists with active research in medically related subjects.
The program is delivered by the Physician Associate Faculty that brings together clinicians and other experts from across the disciplines of primary and secondary medical care. The course content reflects the curriculum and learning requirements for the Physician Associate framework (PA CC 2012).
The Physician Associate programme at Bangor includes an integrated placement programme of work-based learning that will provide progressive experiential learning in a range of clinical settings to allow students to attain the standards of knowledge and understanding in clinical practice, including regulatory structures, professionalism and clinical competences expected of a Physician Associate. Placements will be grouped according to the following clinical subject headings and minimum periods:
During the course you will learn how to recognise and manage common and complex medical conditions as part of multi-professional team, to make independent and informed judgements on clinical problems and be trained to integrate knowledge and clinical practice. As a Physician Associate graduate you’ll be able to demonstrate outstanding interpersonal and professional skills when working with patients, carers and clinical multi-disciplinary teams in a multicultural environment. You will also have a comprehensive understating of I.T., record keeping and communication using a diverse range of media in evidence based practice and understand the importance of health promotion, disease prevention and inequalities in society and local communities.
The programme aims to give students a comprehensive knowledge of the concepts, principles and technologies used in clinical practice in the following areas:
On successful completion of the course, you’ll have gained the key knowledge related to practice as a physician associate, including major concepts related to the principles and theories associated with human anatomy and physiology, cell biology, body/system-drug actions and interactions, mechanisms underlying human pathological conditions and the basis of the clinical and technological methods used to diagnose and monitor these conditions. You be able to demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment in the medical domain including history taking and consultation skills, and physical examinations tailored to the needs of the patient and the demands of the clinical situation. You’ll also be able to demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the needs of patients/clients, and decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts.
Teaching occurs via lectures, clinical placements, practical classes and group work including case centred discussions often delivered by academic clinicians who hold joint University and Health board contracts. Students benefit from a high number of contact hours that includes utilisation of our state-of-the art teaching laboratories and simulation suite at the hospital. Academic assessment includes placement reports, observed clinical skills, MCQ and written exams.
The MCh enables experienced, qualified doctors to develop an evidence- based approach to health care practice and to obtain a postgraduate qualification whilst enhancing their surgical clinical expertise within the NHS.
The programme has been designed in collaboration with senior surgeons and academics and is at the cutting edge of both contemporary surgical practice and research. It will allow you to extend your knowledge and skills to advanced levels within your specialist area of work. The clinical modules focus on practical skills in operative surgery with the use of interactive teaching aids and practical workshops.
You can choose from eighteen established specialist pathways or pursue a generic MCh Surgery pathway which offers the potential to develop expertise in an alternative relevant sub-speciality.
*Pathways currently accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons (England).
Whichever pathway you choose, the programme will be delivered in partnership with Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust. Wrightington Hospital is recognised as a Centre of Excellence (Orthopaedic Surgery) and has clinical facilities / laboratories that will provide you with excellent learning opportunities.
This programme consists of three distinct 20 credit clinical modules, two 30 credit clinical research modules and a 60 credit dissertation. Topics covered will include: Specialist aspects of evidence based practice in surgery; Qualitative and quantitative research methods; Critiquing research findings; Writing a research proposal; Analysis of quantitative data; Systematic reviews; Research governance and ethics; Focus on a significant piece of investigative enquiry from conceptualisation through to completion.
The programme is delivered over two to three years, commencing in September each year. The academic year runs from September through to July, though the dissertation submission will be in September of the second year, with the option to defer the dissertation to the third year. You will experience a variety of teaching and learning strategies including lectures, seminars, individual and group tutorials and independent guided study.
An online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is used for some components of the programme. The surgical modules have elements of practice-based learning and involve the completion of a log of practical experience which complements the course material. The dissertation allows you to focus on a significant piece of investigative enquiry from conceptualisation through to completion.
Assessment methods include a research proposal, written assignments, completion of online activities and discussions, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), clinical log books, seminar presentations and a dissertation.
The programme team consists of experienced academic staff from across Edge Hill University and expert clinicians from Wrightington Hospital. This collaborative approach provides a team of high calibre individuals to support your learning. Additionally, leading surgeons from related specialities are invited as guest speakers on the surgical modules. Edge Hill University enjoys an excellent reputation for the teaching quality of its programmes. All staff involved in the delivery of modules and pathways within this programme are currently involved in scholarly and research related activities which are congruent with their teaching responsibilities.
Medical professionals need to continually seek ways to improve their career prospects in an increasingly competitive job market where a postgraduate qualification is often now deemed essential.
The MCh provides a highly relevant qualification for doctors working in a specialist area of surgical practice which will add to your portfolio of qualifications and provide you with opportunities for professional development supported by expert clinicians and academics.
