Observation Skills
Candidates for the medical degree must be able to make accurate observations and competently perform a variety of procedures, including virtual procedures. Students must be able to obtain, interpret, and integrate information necessary for patient care and medical education. Candidates must be able to participate in educational and clinical activities involving laboratory, anatomic, microscopic, imaging, and patient-care experiences. Candidates must be able to accurately obtain and interpret clinical findings in a variety of educational and patient care settings, 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 an effective, sensitive manner. A candidate must be able to interpret and respond to spoken, written, and non-verbal communication. A candidate must also be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with health professionals, staff, and peers in settings where communication is typically oral or written, in both immediate and recorded modes, or when the communication period is limited.
Motor Skills and Functioning
Candidates must possess sufficient motor skills to complete integral components of the basic science curriculum (e.g., gross anatomy dissection) and the clinical curriculum. These skills include gross and fine motor movements, equilibrium, and the functional use of the senses of touch and vision. Candidates must demonstrate the functional ability to perform or participate in essential clinical and educational activities, including physical examination and patient care tasks, and should be able to participate in and demonstrate competency in laboratory, diagnostic, and clinical procedures required by the curriculum.
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 function effectively in clinical environments that may involve physically and emotionally demanding situations. Candidates must demonstrate reliability, accountability, and responsiveness to patient care responsibilities in clinical settings.
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 and critical thinking skills, including an investigatory and analytical 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 to practice caring and compassionate medicine. Candidates are expected to complete all responsibilities in the preclinical and clinical learning environments promptly and to demonstrate a patient-centered approach to patient care. 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 adhering to professional codes of conduct. Candidates must maintain compliance in all academic and clinical environments. Candidates must comply with institutional policies and professional standards related to impairment, fitness for duty, and patient safety.
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 demonstrate flexibility and resilience in changing, unpredictable situations, as the practice of medicine often involves responding to unexpected challenges. Candidates must demonstrate awareness of their own emotions and those of others. Candidates must demonstrate a level of maturity for the profession of medicine, the ability to manage conflicts between personal and professional responsibilities, and the willingness to seek help appropriately when needed.
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