Program Competencies

Medical Knowledge

1. Applies the underlying pathophysiologic processes of commonly encountered medical and surgical conditions ​
2. Recognizes signs and symptoms of disease and illness​
3. Correctly interprets findings of diagnostic studies​
4. Identifies risk factors for acute and chronic medical conditions ​
5. Respects the effect of the patient’s environment and stress on health outcomes and quality of life​
6. Appreciates the importance of using evidence-based interventions for disease prevention and health maintenance

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

1. Communicates with patients and other members of the healthcare team in a professional and respectful manner​
2. Recognizes the unique contributions of other healthcare providers to patient care​
3. Demonstrates rapport with patients while obtaining and providing information​
4. Partners with patients in formulating a treatment plan​
5. Collaborates effectively with all members of the healthcare team​
6. Effectively counsels patients and provides education using a method tailored to the patient

Clinical and Technical Skills

1. Obtains a thorough and accurate medical history​
2. Demonstrates proper technique while performing physical examination ​
3. Performs medical and surgical procedures with attention to detail and safety​
4. Identifies relevant information from the medical record and accurately documents patient encounters and procedures

Professional Behaviors

1. Understands the legal requirements for practice as a physician assistant​
2. Demonstrates respect, compassion, and sensitivity in patient interactions​
3. Applies ethical principles to the care of patients​
4. Maintains patient confidentiality in all venues​
5. Respects the doctrines of informed consent and shared decision-making​
6. Seeks opportunities for professional development and scholarship​
7. Demonstrates willingness to teach and learn from fellow health professionals

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

1. Identifies and utilizes evidence-based resources to answer clinical questions​
2. Recognizes and addresses deficits in knowledge and clinical skills, as well as personal biases which may affect patient care​
3. Advocates effectively for patients as they navigate the health care system​
4. Respects and works to overcome the challenges facing patients in underserved areas​
5. Considers effects on the patient and healthcare system when ordering medication, diagnostic studies, or therapeutic interventions

Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Skills

1. Formulates a differential diagnosis using patient data including history, physical examination, and diagnostic studies​
2. Utilizes diagnostic studies most likely to be useful in patient evaluation
3. Suggests appropriate treatment modalities for medical and surgical conditions, including pharmacologic treatment and behavioral modifications​
4. Identifies the appropriate site of care based on clinical presentation and patient demographics​
5. Recognizes the possible causes of a patient’s failure to respond to treatment