Applications open for the Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Specialising in Paediatrics) 2024 along with applications for St Jude Global Palliative Care Programme Bursaries

Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Specialising in Paediatrics)

The University of Cape Town offers a Paediatric Option to the Diploma in Palliative Medicine. This is a one-year diploma that includes distance learning through UCT’s Vula platform and contact time in Cape Town. It is open to any Postgraduate student with an undergrad/postgrad degree relevant to the field. This includes general practitioners/medical officers working in paediatrics, specialists (Paediatricians, Paediatric sub-specialists, Oncologists, Intensivists), nurses, allied and integrative health practitioners, social workers, clergy, psychologists etc.

The Diploma is divided in to two courses. The first semester course covers the basic principles and practice of palliative care relevant to all professionals and includes topics such as communication, ethics, basic pain management, teamwork and self-care. The second semester course is more clinical, and students learn how to apply the palliative care principles in the care of children with life- threatening and life limiting illnesses within their scope of practice and in the context of a team.

The Diploma entails:

  • 2 contact weeks in Cape Town: January and June o Januaryweek:22–26January2024
    o Juneweek:24–28June2024
  • Forum discussions through Vula (UCT e-learning platform)
  • 8 assignments
  • 1 portfolio
  • Written and oral examinations (communications assessment): 7 & 8 November 2024

Students must be proficient in English and have access to the internet. International students are also able to apply (includes non-SADAC region for Africa).

Applications close 30 September 2023- students need to apply on-line and using departmental form.
For further information on how to apply please contact Debbie Moodie at Debbie.Moodie@uct.ac.za Please also cc the paediatric course convenor Dr Michelle Meiring at ma.meiring@uct.ac.za

Applications invited for ST Jude Global Palliative Care Programme Bursaries for African students undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Specialising in Paediatrics)

The St. Jude Global Palliative Care Programme has a specific mission to define the state of palliative care for children with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses worldwide and drive interventions to address patient and family suffering. This is done through research, advocacy, capacity building, and educational initiatives. One such educational initiative that they are actively supporting is the training of healthcare professionals from SADC and Non-SADC countries in paediatric palliative care. This is in the form of bursaries for students on the above programme. Only applications for this specific degree will be considered.

CONDITIONS OF AWARD:

  • Applicants must be residing in Africa: SADC (including South Arica) or Non-SADC country
  • Applicants must be qualified health care professionals, working in a field relevant to palliative care (Paediatricians, doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, Allied health care workers etc).
  • They need to have been working in a health care setting for at least 5 years where children with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses are being cared for (hospital, hospice, Community setting, home-based care programme, children’s home etc)
  • Preference will be given to professionals with leadership skills and drive and who have plans to strengthen or establish Paediatric Palliative Care Programmes in their countries.

VALUE & TENURE:

This award is managed by the PG Diploma in Paediatric Palliative Care Programme and covers the following costs:

  • PG Dip Paediatric Palliative Care Programme UCT Fees
  • Non-SADC international fee
  • Expenses associated with 3 visits to Cape Town during course of year for face-to-face class for non-South Africans. (This includes: Flights, accommodation, transport, and a small daily allowance.)
  • Please note Visa fees are excluded

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Eligible candidates should submit the following documents to Debbie.moodie@uct.ac.za before 30th September 2023.

  • CV (to also include where currently working and how long been in current position)
  • A letter of motivation from applicant answering the following questions:
    • How will this course benefit palliative care development in your workplace and country? (1,500 characters maximum)
    • How, and with who will you share what you have learned from the course? (1,500 characters max)
    • Why are you the right person for us to fund to do this course? (1,000 characters maximum)
  • Letter of motivation from employer supporting the application stating why it is important that we support application
  • All applicants must have applied on-line and also using the departmental application form (2024).

Applications will be reviewed by Selection Committee and applicants informed of outcome by 30th October 2023.

Any queries please contact Ms D Moodie (Debbie.moodie@uct.ac.za).