Medical Education Program Objectives (EPO)

Graduates must be able to provide patient-centered care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the promotion of health and the evaluation and management of disease.

PC.1 Develop an initial differential diagnosis based on the patient history and physical examination.
PC.2 Gather and document essential and accurate information about patients and their conditions through history-taking, physical examination, mental status examination, and the use of laboratory data, imaging, and other tests.
PC.3 Perform general procedures of the physician.
PC.4 Recommend age-specific, preventive and health maintenance practices for the patient based on the best available evidence.
PC.5 Plan and implement appropriate management plans for patient care, referral and follow-up.
PC.6 Discuss with patients their prognosis and possible benefits and adverse effects of diagnostic tests and treatment.
PC.7 Care for patients mindful of relevant legal, ethical, spiritual, cultural and psychosocial constructs.
PC.8 Demonstrate effective transitions of patient care.
PC.9 Function collaboratively on health care teams that include health professionals from other disciplines to provide coordinated services to patients.

Graduates must be able to demonstrate knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, and social-behavioral sciences, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care.

MK.1 Describe the normal structure and function of the human body at molecular, cellular, tissue, and anatomic levels.
MK.2 Describe the pathogenesis of disease.
MK.3 Describe the scientific principles (including genetic, molecular, and physiologic mechanisms) basic to the practice of clinical medicine, and be able to apply these principles to patient care.
MK.4 Describe therapeutic interventions and apply them to patient care.
MK.5 Describe the environmental, social, and behavioral determinants of health and disease states.
MK.6 Interpret common laboratory and diagnostic tests and describe the indications, complications, limitations and cost-effectiveness of each study.
MK.7 Describe the principles of disease prevention and health maintenance in individuals and populations, and apply to individual patient care.
MK.8 Demonstrate knowledge of common clinical emergencies, acute and chronic problems/diseases, and their basic management.

Graduates will be able to critically appraise literature, apply knowledge and engage in scholarly activity.

IMD/PBLI.1 Use technology to access medical information resources to expand personal knowledge and make effective decisions in patient care.
IMD/PBLI.2 Critically assess the validity of published medical studies by describing strengths, weaknesses, limitations and applications to clinical practice.
IMD/PBLI.3 Use evidence-based approaches as tools to decide whether to accept new findings, therapies and technologies for incorporation into clinical practice.
IMD/PBLI.4 Elicit feedback about performance and develop and implement a plan for self-directed and life-long learning and improvement.
IMD/PBLI.5 Describe the basic scientific and ethical principles of clinical and translational research, including the ways in which such research is conducted, evaluated, explained to patients, and applied to patient care.

Graduates will demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange
of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and health professionals.

ICS.1 Make case presentations that are accurate and well organized; accurately record information in the patient’s chart to address the patient’s problem/condition.
ICS.2 Convey diagnostic and management plans effectively both orally and in writing.
ICS.3 Demonstrate interpersonal skills that establish rapport and empathic communication with patients and their families, and other health care professionals.
ICS.4 Demonstrate professionalism and compassion in addressing issues of a sensitive nature with patients and families.
ICS.5 Help patients anticipate and make end-of-life decisions; be able to communicate bad news, and obtain consent for treatments.
ICS.6 Participate in the education of patients and their families, peers, and other health care professionals.
ICS.7 Develop the ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a climate of mutual respect, dignity, ethical integrity, and trust.

Graduates must be able to demonstrate a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to all patient populations.

P.1 Demonstrate the professional attributes of a physician including honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity in interactions with patients, families, colleagues, and other health care professionals.
P.2 Develop a collaborative relationship with patients by valuing the patient and his/her input into patient care plans.
P.3 Demonstrate commitment to excellence in patient care; place the patient’s welfare above self-interest.
P.4 Demonstrate respect and compassion towards patients, patient families, and health care team members including sensitivity to culture, race, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, sex and gender expression, veteran status, and religion.
P.5 Apply ethical principles to the study and practice of medicine, including compliance with relevant laws, policies, and regulations.

Graduates will demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care, as well as the ability to call effectively on other resources in the system to provide optimal health care.

HCSS.1 Identify patients at risk for inadequate medical services, and develop plans to engage and coordinate resources to ensure appropriate care.
HCSS.2 Describe policies, organization, finances, and delivery of health care in the United States, both in the hospital and the community.
HCSS.3 Incorporate considerations of cost, value, and risk-benefit analysis in patient and/or population-based care.
HCSS.4 Advocate for your patient, quality patient care, and optimal patient care systems.
HCSS.5 Describe principles of quality improvement, its use in patient care, and use of common patient safety/quality tools.