Postgraduate Diploma in Rural and Provincial Hospital Practice

This diploma has been designed by the University of Otago for generalist doctors who work in rural or small provincial hospitals within New Zealand. It provides rural hospital generalists (GPs, Medical Officers, RHM Registrars), an opportunity to undertake further tertiary study without living in a metropolitan centre.

The diploma forms part of the rural hospital medicine (RHM) registrar training programme but many of the participants are experienced rural hospital generalists. The diploma counts towards MOPs reaccreditation points.

The diploma can be completed in two years part time, though many choose to complete it over a longer period.

Teaching is carried out by audio-conferences, internet-based case presentations and discussions with resource people who are often consultants from local hospitals. There are also a number of residential workshops to attend (usually one per paper, between 2 and 5 days). Teaching is centred on participants' day-to-day clinical practice; much of it is case based learning.

The programme of study shall comprise papers to a value of at least 120 points: GENX 724 is compulsory. Students must complete a further four papers from the list included in this pamphlet. Up to 45 points can be elective and with the approval maybe papers offered by another university or examining body.

A Postgraduate Certificate in Rural and Provincial Hospital Practice (PGCertRPHP) is also available for those not wanting to enrol in the whole diploma. The certificate programme consists of any four papers, to the value of 60 points, selected from the list included in the pamphlet.

The structure of the diploma changed in 2010 to align with the RHM training programme. It is now divided into seven papers. For those who are already part through the diploma, you need to be aware of restrictions. The overall content of the diploma is unchanged.

GENX 724 is compulsory for the PGDipRPHP except for students who have already completed 723.

Postgraduate papers

• GENX 724 The Context of Rural Hospital Medicine
  • Examines the context of clinical care in rural hospitals in relation to the person and profession of the doctor, the hospital and the community.
  • Restriction: GENX 723
  • Please note: Students may choose to study GENX 724 and 725 concurrently.
  • 15 points (not offered in 2013; next offered semester one 2014)
• GENX 725 Communication in Rural Hospital Medicine
  • Clinical skills, knowledge and values required in the rural hospital setting for psychiatry, palliative care, rehabilitation medicine and communication with patients including Māori patients.
  • Restriction: GENX 723
  • Please note: Students may choose to study GENX 724 and 725 concurrently.
  • 15 points (not offered in 2013; next offered semester one 2014)
• GENX 726 Obstetrics and Paediatrics in Rural Hospitals
  • The management of paediatrics, neonatal care, and obstetric and gynaecological emergencies in a rural hospital setting.
  • 15 points (not offered in 2013; next offered semester two 2014)
• GENX 727 Surgical Specialties in Rural Hospitals
  • The management of common surgical problems appropriate to be managed in a rural hospital setting. Includes general surgery, urology, vascular surgery, ophthalmology and ENT.
  • Restriction: GENX 722
  • 15 points (not offered in 2013; next offered semester two 2014)
• GENX 728 Cardiorespiratory Medicine in Rural Hospitals
  • The management of cardiology and respiratory problems in a rural hospital setting. Includes acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmias, valvular heart problems, airways obstruction and respiratory infections.
  • Restriction: GENX 721
  • Residential workshop: November 2013, in Dunedin.
  • 30 points (semester two 2013)
  GENX 729 Medical Specialists in Rural Hospitals
  • The management of acute and chronic common medical problems in a rural hospital setting. Includes gastroenterology, endrocrinology, neurology, oncology, rheumatology, rehabilitation medicine and infectious diseases.
  • Restriction: GENX 721
  • Residential workshop: June 2013, in Dunedin.
  • 15 points (semester one 2013)
• GENX 730 Trauma and Emergencies in Rural Hospitals
  • The management of common medical and surgical emergencies in a rural hospital setting. Also covers immediate, intermediate and continuing care of the injured patient.
  • Restriction: GENX 722
  • Residential workshop: October 2013, in Dunedin.
  • 15 points (semester two 2013)

Contact

The Rural Postgraduate Administrator:

Email rural.postgrad@otago.ac.nz
Tel 64 3 479 9186
Mob 64 21 263 2635