COSECSA is the largest Surgical Training Institution covering East, Central and South Africa.
The Membership examination (MCS)
A candidate must complete two years of MCS training to qualify for the MCS examination (Part I and Part II).
The Fellowship examination (FCS) in Paediatric Surgery
Admission to FCS training depends on successful completion of training and passing the MCS Part I and II examination.
Requirements are :
1. Five years mandatory training
2. Research paper
3. Complete at least 6 case studies
4. Pass FCS exam part I and II
5. Logbook
Outline of topics:
General surgery
Assessment and management of children with:
• acute abdominal pathology
• abdominal wall herniae
• trauma (including APLS certification) and other critical illness
Neonatal
Assessment and management of neonates with:
• acute abdominal pathology
• abdominal wall defects
• major index conditions e.g. Hirschsprungs disease, anorectal malformations,
oesophageal atresia
Urological
Assessment and management of children with:
• both upper and lower urinary tract abnormalities to include hypospadias
• haematuria
Oncological
Assessment and management of children with:
• oncological conditions
Tropical
Assessment and management of children with:
• tropical and infectious diseases of surgical consequence.
Reconstructive
Assessment and management of children with:
• cleft lip and palate
• spina bifida and hydrocephalus
• burn contractures
Other
Assessment and management of children with:
• head and neck pathology
• gynaecological conditions
• endocrine anomalies
Skills objectives
By the end of training, the resident should have acquired and demonstrate the
following generic skills, as they apply to a Paediatric surgical practice.
a. Surgical Skills
• The resident is expected to be able to perform independently the full spectrum of
operative interventions related to the primary Paediatric Surgery conditions
listed above. Several additional areas of skill expertise are listed below.
b. Trauma
The Paediatric Surgery resident is expected to:
• function as a trauma team leader
• function as the operating surgeon for Paediatric multiple trauma patients, and as
supervising surgeon in an operating room in which several specialty groups
may be working simultaneously
• have primary responsibility for the non-operative care of the trauma patient
including major burns
• be able to obtain airway and vascular access in the trauma patient, and perform
appropriate diagnostic procedures
c. Endoscopy
The resident should be familiar with the indications, techniques and complications of:
• laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy
• esophagoscopy / gastroscopy / duodenoscopy
• laparoscopy
• proctosigmoidoscopy / colonoscopy
d. Other Procedures
The resident should be familiar with the indications, techniques and complications of:
• central line insertion (temporary and long-term), implantable ports
• tracheostomy
Competencies Expected:
1. Patient Care
2. Medical Knowledge
3. Practice-based Learning and Improvement
4. Interpersonal and communication skills
5. Professionalism
6. Systems-based Practice
