Criteria & Requirements

Each student who is accepted must have the intellectual ability to successfully complete medical school and master the essentials of the practice of medicine. Considered are undergraduate and graduate record, standardized test scores, academic awards and honors (e.g. Phi Beta Kappa, National Merit, etc.), research accomplishments, degree of difficulty of undergraduate academic program, pre-professional evaluations, personal interview, and any other data submitted.

The practice of medicine demands a high level of interpersonal skills and a compassionate attitude. Ability to communicate is essential for these qualities. Considered are community or charitable service, e.g., volunteering to help the less fortunate; extracurricular activities and organizations; leadership positions; employment history; recognition for humanitarian service; awareness and direct knowledge of cultural elements as they may impact on health care; evidence of being well-written and well-spoken exemplified by standardized test scores in verbal abilities, the MCAT score on the written essay, statements made on the application or in the personal interview and any other relevant considerations which the students or his or her pre-professional advisors may present.

The modern practice of medicine requires a strong scientific background and also an ability to understand the complex non-scientific problems facing physicians and patients, e.g., ethical or socioeconomic problems. The bare completion of the pre-medical requirements is a base on which to build further knowledge and prepare physicians for a lifetime of study so that they will remain the best possible practitioners of medicine. Considered are undergraduate core curriculum or course selection; participation in the intellectual life of the university, e.g., belonging to discipline organizations — chemistry or philosophy club; extent of reading; papers written or published; knowledge displayed at the interview; Honors Program; pre-professional evaluations; any other relevant indications of scholarly accomplishment.

A state medical school must have as a primary concern producing practitioners who will serve that state in residency; applicant’s goals for the future; size and location of hometown and whether applicant resides in a Health Professions Shortage Area; potential for future provision of health services to under-served areas or needed specialties; linguistic skills appropriate to the Health Profession Shortage Area the applicant wishes to serve.

A physician must be prepared for a lifetime of dedicated intense service to her or his patients. This requires a high level of selfless motivation. Considered are success in overcoming adverse economic or educational conditions; employment history occurring simultaneously with undergraduate academic preparation; participation in activities requiring time management skills, e.g., varsity athletes, campus symphony, etc.; constantly improving undergraduate record; veteran status; experience in health related activities.

A physician, because of the public trust given to members of the medical profession, must have qualities of integrity beyond reproach. Considered are pre-professional evaluations; any academic integrity violation; conduct of a crime; any other relevant background relating either positively or negatively to applicant’s standard of integrity (e.g. Honorable Discharge or Discharge under Honorable Conditions).

Essential abilities and characteristics required for completion of the MD degree consist of certain minimum physical and cognitive abilities and sufficient mental and emotional stability to assure that accepted students must meet certain standards of capability (with or without reasonable accommodations) for matriculation, continued enrollment, and graduation with the MD degree. McGovern Medical School (MMS) intends for its graduates to become competent and compassionate physicians who are capable of entering residency training (graduate medical education) and meeting all requirements for medical licensure and who will serve the identified needs of the State of Texas. The following abilities and characteristics are defined as technical standards, which, in conjunction with academic standards established by the faculty, are requirements for admission, promotion, and graduation. Delineation of technical standards is required for the accreditation of U.S. medical schools by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. Although these standards serve to delineate the necessary physical and mental abilities of all candidates, they are not intended to deter any candidate for whom reasonable accommodation will allow the fulfillment of the complete curriculum.

• Observation: Candidates must have the skills to be able to accurately obtain information from demonstrations and patient examinations in order to gather patient data (e.g., observe a patient’s gait, appearance, posture, etc.). The skills necessitate the use of a sense of vision, hearing, and somatic sensation or a functional equivalent.
• Communication: Candidates must be able to communicate effectively with faculty, colleagues, staff, patients, their families, and members of the health care team. They must be able to obtain a medical history in a timely fashion, interpret non-verbal information, and establish therapeutic rapport with patients. Candidates must be able to read and record information accurately and clearly in a healthcare setting.
• Motor Function: Candidates must possess the capacity to perform physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers. They must be able to respond to clinical situations in a timely and efficient manner while providing general and emergency care that are reasonably required of physicians. These activities require some physical mobility, coordination of both gross and fine motor neuromuscular functions, and balance and equilibrium. They must be able to adhere to universal precaution measures and meet safety standards applicable to inpatient and outpatient settings and other clinical activities.
• Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: Candidates must be able to assimilate detailed and complex information presented in both didactic and clinical coursework, and engage in problem solving. They must be able to learn through a variety of modalities including, but not limited to, classroom instruction, small group and collaborative activities, problem-based learning groups, individual study, preparation and presentation of reports, simulations, and use of computer technology. Candidates are expected to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and transmit information across modalities. In addition, candidates must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.
• Behavioral and Social Attributes: Candidates must demonstrate the maturity and emotional stability required for full use of their intellectual abilities. This includes, but is not limited to, accepting the responsibility of learning, exercising good judgment, and promptly completing all responsibilities associated with the diagnosis and care of patients. Candidates are expected to exhibit integrity, honesty, professionalism, compassion, and display a spirit of cooperation and teamwork. They must understand and abide by the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine and function within both the law and ethical standards of the medical profession. Candidates must be able to work effectively, respectfully and professionally as a part of the healthcare team, and to interact with patients, their families, health care professionals, colleagues, faculty, and staff in a courteous, professional, and respectful manner. Candidates are expected to contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments; accept constructive feedback from others; and take personal responsibility for making appropriate positive changes. They must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and long work hours, to function effectively under stress, and to display flexibility and adaptability to changing environments. They must be capable of regular, reliable and punctual attendance at classes and in regard to their clinical responsibilities.
• Ethical Standards: Candidates must meet the legal standards to be licensed to practice medicine. As such, candidates for admission must acknowledge and provide written explanation of any felony offense or disciplinary action taken against them prior to matriculation to McGovern Medical School. In addition, should the student be convicted of any felony offense while in medical school, they agree to immediately, but within 5 business days, notify the Vice Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs or designee as to the nature of the conviction. Failure to disclose prior or new offenses can lead to disciplinary action by MMS that may include dismissal.