网易体育 Us
South Africa faces a shortage of human resources for health and in response to this challenge, the Department of Health initiated the clinical associate programme. The profession is conceptualized by health care professionals such as physician assistants, and clinical officers in various international countries.
In 2002, it was recommended that training of the Clinical Associate, should begin in South Africa; it was agreed that this kind of health worker is appropriate for the South African context and is needed urgently in the health service.
The Clinical Associate works under supervision of the doctor, not replacing the doctor but works collaboratively within the team of clinicians in primarily district hospitals. The work of the Clinical Associate complements that of the Primary Health Care nurses; the Clinical Associates is medically trained to diagnosis and manage common health care complaints in the clinical setting inclusive of the Emergency Department, Wards and OPD, as well as perform many of the routine procedures in district hospitals and private health care facilities.
Brief description of the Division
The Division of Clinical Associates is one of five Divisions under the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care in the School of Clinical Medicine within the Faculty of Health Sciences. We are one of three academic programmes offering the Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice Degree in South Africa. Our students are taught with 21st Century Health Science Education philosophy, with application and problem-solving accomplished with technology-enhanced learning and workplace-based education. The Division also offers an Honours in Emergency Medicine for the BCMP graduates. Competent graduates are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as Clinical Associates.