Candidates for the MD degree must be able to fully and promptly perform the essential functions in each of the following five categories:
Observation Skills
Candidates for the medical degree must be able to make accurate observations and competently observe and perform a variety of procedures, including virtually. Observation necessitates the functional use of several key senses such as sight, hearing, and touch. It is enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell.
Candidates must observe demonstrations and participate in scientific experiments, including but not limited to activities such as: dissecting cadavers; examining specimens in anatomy, pathology, and neuroanatomy laboratories; microscopic studying of microorganisms and tissues (both in normal and pathological states); review of diagnostic images and information.
Candidates must be able to observe and evaluate a patient accurately, at a distance, and close at hand, understand verbal communication, recognize changes in mood, activity, and posture, and perceive nonverbal communication. They must be able to obtain a medical history and perform a complete physical examination to develop an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan.
Communication Skills
A candidate must be able to elicit information from patients in a manner that is effective and sensitive to the patient. A candidate must be able to interpret and respond to spoken, written, and non-verbal communication. A candidate must also be able to effectively and efficiently communicate to health professionals, staff, and peers in settings where communication is typically oral or written, in both immediate and recorded modes, or when the period for communication is limited.
Motor Skills and Functioning
Candidates must possess sufficient motor skills necessary to complete integral components of the basic science curriculum (e.g. gross anatomy dissection) and integral components of the clinical curriculum. These skills include both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the sense of touch and vision. Candidates must have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers and should be able to do basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, CBC, etc.), carry out diagnostic procedures (thoracentesis, paracentesis, etc.) and read EKGs and radiographic imaging studies. A candidate must be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Examples of emergency treatment include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the administration of intravenous fluids and medication, the application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, the suturing of simple wounds, and the performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and function effectively in physically stressful patient-care environments. Given the primacy of patients in clinical environments, candidates must also be able to capitulate to patient care needs above all other needs.
Cognitive Skills
A candidate must be able to acquire, assimilate, interpret, integrate, and apply information from direct observation and oral communication, written messages, imaging studies, pathologic microscopic images, electrocardiograms, and other media. A candidate must also be able to comprehend three-dimensional and spatial relationships and continually exercise the skills of inquiry and intellectual advancement in the profession. Candidates must have the cognitive abilities to assimilate and integrate large volumes of detailed and complex information within a prescribed time. Candidates must be able to demonstrate problem-solving skills and critical thinking including an investigatory and analytic approach to clinical situations and the ability to make accurate and timely clinical judgments.
Professionalism, Behavioral Skills, and Ethical Standards
Candidates must exhibit honesty, integrity, conscientiousness, professionalism, altruism, empathy, and compassion in all activities and interact with faculty, staff, peers, patients, and families in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner. Candidates must demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibility for actions and be accountable. They are expected to display a spirit of collaboration and teamwork, contribute to a constructive learning environment, accept constructive feedback, demonstrate awareness of the limits of their own knowledge or skills, and take responsibility for making appropriate positive changes. A candidate must exhibit sufficient interpersonal skills, knowledge, and attitudes to interact positively and sensitively with people from all parts of society, ethnic backgrounds, abilities, and belief systems, and be motivated toward practicing caring and compassionate medicine. Candidates are expected to have prompt completion of all responsibilities related to the preclinical and clinical learning environment while demonstrating a patient-centered approach to working with patients. Candidates must be able to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Candidates must behave in a trustworthy, ethical, and moral manner consistent with professional values and standards. Candidates must possess the high ethical and legal standards demanded of physicians. This includes maintaining patient confidentiality, respecting patient autonomy, and understanding and following professional codes of conduct. Candidates must maintain compliance in all academic and clinical environments. Candidates must maintain sobriety in all academic and clinical environments, and refrain from the illegal use of substances at all times.
Emotional Skills
A candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the ability to cope with the emotional demands of the medical profession, including exposure to suffering, illness, and death. Candidates must be able to display flexibility and resilience in changing and unpredictable situations, as the practice of medicine often involves responding to unexpected challenges. Candidates must demonstrate awareness of emotions of self and others. Candidates must demonstrate a level of maturity for the profession of medicine and demonstrate the ability to manage conflicts between personal and professional responsibilities and seek help appropriately when needed.
Candidates must be able to satisfy the above requirements with or without reasonable accommodations. For questions about reasonable accommodations, contact DRC.
