The Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) is the custodian of the quality of medical care in South Africa. It stands out globally due to its 29 constituent Colleges, which represent all the disciplines of medicine and dentistry.[1][2] The sole current path to specialisation in South Africa is through a Fellowship conferred by the college. See Medical education in South Africa; Dental degree § South Africa.
CMSA was established and funded in 1954 by members of the medical profession,[1] officially registering as a non-profit making company in 1955.[1] It has facilities in Cape Town and Johannesburg, encompassing lecture venues, committee and reception rooms, as well as an office in Durban.[1] In 2018, the college elected its first Black female president, Dr Flavia Senkubuge.[3][4]
The specialist qualifications obtained through The CMSA are referred to as Fellowships, a designation similar to those used in various countries. These Fellowships are recognised by the Health Professions Council of South Africa as acceptable for specialist registration and hold recognition worldwide.[1]
For those medical and dental practitioners who do not wish to specialise, the CMSA offers Higher Diploma and Diploma qualifications which are registered by the HPCSA as additional qualifications. There is also an additional qualification for those who obtain a Certificate in one of the subspecialities.[1]
