Undergraduate Medical Curriculum Outcomes
- Physician as Medical Expert/Decision Maker
- Physician as Communicator/Educator/Humanist/Healer
- Physician as Health Advocate
- Physician as Learner/Scholar
- Physician as Collaborator
- Physician as Resource Manager/Gatekeeper/ Steward
- Physician as Scientist
- Physician as Person
Physicians graduating from the Schulich School of Medicine at the
The graduating physician will be able to identify, analyze and manage clinical problems in a way that provides effective, efficient and humane patient care. Detailed objectives are set out below under eight physician roles / competencies.
To achieve the central competencies the student will
1. Physician as Medical Expert/Decision Maker
1.1. Demonstrate knowledge of normal human development, structure, and function from a biological, psychological, and social perspective.
1.2. Develop knowledge of medical vocabulary, facts, concepts, principles, laws, methods, and procedures, as demonstrated by the ability to:
1.2.1. Explain them.
1.2.2. Recognize their implications.
1.2.3. Use them to explain clinical phenomena.
1.2.4. Use them for problem solving and management of biological and clinical problems.
1.3. Describe the natural history of diseases.
1.4. Describe the basic facts and concepts necessary to practice effective preventive medicine including:
1.4.1. Review and discuss the use of appropriate immunization procedures in the prevention of disease.
1.4.2. Recognize and assess the influence of environmental factors on patients' problems.
1.4.3. Recognize risk factors for the development of specific diseases.
1.4.4. Explain common screening procedures and their interpretation based on critical review of the relevant evidence.
1.5. Adjust the history and physical examination to the requirements of the situation.
1.6. Detect and categorize significant physical signs by inspection, percussion, palpation, and auscultation.
1.7. Demonstrate skill in using various clinical and laboratory instruments (e.g. ophthalmoscope, and stethoscope).
1.8. Demonstrate skill in performing common technical procedures (e.g. measurement of blood pressure, venepuncture).
1.9. Form a tentative hypothesis or diagnosis.
1.10. Initiate appropriate procedures for checking the hypothesis.
1.11. Acquire information required to solve problems.
1.12. Obtain required information by using appropriate sources (e.g. selection of appropriate clinical and laboratory procedures, library, and other resources).
1.13. Define the patient's problem within the context of their life situations in any given situation (e.g. person, family, community).
1.14. Recognize the urgency or seriousness of a situation and act appropriately.
1.15. Revise and re-evaluate the tentative hypothesis and /or treatment plan based on new information and/or response to treatment.
1.16. Demonstrate conscientious maintenance of accurate patient records and files.
2. Physician as Communicator/Educator/Humanist/Healer
2.1. Describe the human condition, particularly the nature of suffering and the patient's experience of illness.
2.2. Conduct patient-centered interviews that explore the patient's feelings, ideas, impact on function, and expectations.
2.3. Develop relationships with patients characterized by compassion, empathy, respect, and genuineness, demonstrating a willingness to collaborate with the patient about management rather than needing to always take charge.
2.4. Perform a physical examination without causing the patient embarrassment.
2.5. Adapt treatment plans to the individual with consideration for the patient's age, general health, special needs, expectations, cultural background, progress, or changes in condition.
2.6. Demonstrate skill in communication of information with clear, concise explanations that are understandable to patients.
2.7. Recognize risk factors and be able to counsel patients on risk reduction.
2.8. Tolerate uncertainty and focus on the patient's welfare rather than a need for precision when faced with a difficult situation.
2.9. Abide by the principles in the Code of Ethics as published by the Canadian Medical Association and keep informed of changes in the code.
3. Physician as Health Advocate
3.1. Use specialized knowledge and skills to contribute to the community as well as the individual's well being.
3.2. Identify the rights and legal responsibilities of physicians to patients and the community.
3.3. Describe the determinants of health and apply them appropriately to enhance individual and community well being.
3.4. Apply the concept of cost-effectiveness to public health interventions.
4. Physician as Learner/Scholar
4.1. Demonstrate skill in self-directed learning by:
4.1.1. Ability to identify areas of deficiency in one's own knowledge and skills.
4.1.2. Ability to find appropriate educational resources.
4.1.3. Ability to evaluate personal learning progress.
4.1.4. Ability to use new knowledge in the care of patients.
4.1.5. Opportunity to learn and apply the scientific method.
4.2. Determine the validity and applicability of published data through critical appraisal.
4.3. Develop the self-knowledge necessary for personal growth and continuous learning.
5. Physician as Collaborator
5.1. Develop the ability to work effectively as a member of a team, as participant or leader.
5.2. Collaborate effectively with patients and families without having to take charge.
5.3. Demonstrate skill in finding common ground when differences of opinion exist.
5.4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with peers and colleagues by contributing to productive communication and co-operation among colleagues engaged in education, research, and health care.
5.5. Establish effective relationships with colleagues and other member of the health care team by:
5.5.1. Considering their suggestions and criticisms.
5.5.2. Tactful handling of differences of opinion.
5.5.3. Providing support and direction to less experienced personnel.
5.6. Recognize personal biases and ensure that they do not interfere with the patient's best interests.
6. Physician as Resource Manager/Gatekeeper/ Steward
6.1. Explain the structure and function of the Canadian Health Care System.
6.2. Assist patients in accessing the health care system for physical, psychological, social, and economic rehabilitation or long-term care.
6.3. Use the concepts of evidence-based medicine to guide patient care decisions.
6.4. Identify potential conflict between individual and population interests and seek advice from others, including ethicists, when necessary to help resolve issues.
7. Physician as Scientist
7.1. Explain the scientific method and its application to individual and population problem.
7.2. Support and value the work of scientists as vital to the health of the population.
7.3. Assess the effectiveness of practice and engage in continuous quality improvement.
8. Physician as Person
8.1. Develop an awareness of personal assets, biases, and limitations.
8.2. Be willing to seek help, advice or consultation when needed.
8.3. Accept that physicians cannot be 'all things to all people'.
8.4. Respond to personal and family needs and develop effective support systems.
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