Technical Standards

Candidates for the M.D. degree must perform all essential functions in each of the categories that follow in order to achieve, the levels of physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities necessary to successfully complete the full curriculum and meet the institutional learning objectives of the School of Medicine.

Observation

All candidates are expected to use vision, hearing, and sensation to observe:

• Instructional demonstrations, and
  
  
• Patients at a distance and close at hand.

Communication

All candidates are expected to:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  
  
• Comprehend written communications,
  
  
• Assess non-verbal communications (such as mood, activity, and changes in posture) that are fundamental components of the patient interview and physical examination, and
  
  
• Demonstrate communication skills that are essential for the formation of effective professional relationships with teachers and colleagues, and therapeutic relationships with patients.

Motor Coordination

All candidates are expected to use motor and sensory functions to:

• Perform components of the physical examination such as palpation, auscultation, and percussion,
  
  
• Perform routine invasive procedures including the use of universal precautions to avoid posing risks to patients or themselves,
  
  
• Perform basic laboratory tests and evaluate routine diagnostic tools such as EKGs and imaging studies,
  
  
• Respond and perform with precise, quick, and appropriate actions in emergency situations,
  
  
• Participate effectively in physically taxing duties over long hours, and
  
  
• Complete timed demonstrations of skills.
  
  

Cognitive

All candidates must demonstrate cognitive functions and effective learning techniques that indicate the ability to meet the School of Medicine institutional learning objectives. Candidates must be able to:

• Measure, calculate, and analyze data,
  
  
• Synthesize information and apply reasoning to reach conclusions based on evidence,
  
  
• Comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures,
  
  
• Draw inferences from the logical sequential relationships of events,
  
  
• Understand the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine,
  
  
• Be fully alert and attentive at all times in clinical settings, and
  
  
• Solve problems effectively.
  
  

Professional

All candidates are expected to demonstrate the attributes that would satisfy the School of Medicine institutional learning objective of professionalism. Compassion, integrity, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are personal attributes that are considered in the admissions process and throughout medical school. All candidates are expected to:

• Demonstrate sound judgment and emotional stability,
  
  
• Demonstrate the perseverance, diligence and consistency required to complete successfully the rigorous curriculum of the School of Medicine,
  
  
• Function effectively under stress,
  
  
• Display flexibility and adaptability to changing and uncertain environments,
  
  
• Demonstrate evidence of the personal attributes of honesty, altruism, empathy, and concern for others,
  
  
• Contribute to the learning environment and receive and act upon constructive feedback from faculty members and peers.
  
  

Individuals with questions or who need reasonable accommodations to the technical standards are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Support Services.