Ethical Responsibility
The Program has an ethical responsibility for the safety of patients with whom students and graduates will come in contact. Essential abilities and characteristics required for completion of the MMSc degree consist of certain minimum physical and cognitive abilities and sufficient mental and emotional stability to assure that candidates for admission, promotion, and graduation are able to complete the entire course of study and participate fully in all aspects of medical training, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Individuals whose performance is impaired by abuse of alcohol or other substances are not suitable candidates for admission, promotion, or graduation.
Technical, Non-academic Standards
Observation
Candidates must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in experiments of science, including but not limited to such activities as the dissection of cadavers. Candidates must be able to accurately observe patients and assess findings. They must be able to obtain a medical history and perform a complete physical examination in order to integrate findings based on these observations and to develop an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan.
Communication
Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with 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 aspects of communication, and establish therapeutic relationships with patients. Candidates must be able to record information accurately and clearly and communicate effectively in English with other health care professionals in a variety of patient settings.
Motor Function
Candidates must possess the capacity to perform physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers. They must be able to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner and provide general and emergency care. They must adhere to universal precaution measures and meet safety standards applicable to inpatient and outpatient settings and other clinical activities.
Intellection, Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
Candidates must have sufficient cognitive (mental) abilities and effective learning techniques to assimilate the detailed and complex information presented in the curriculum. They must be able to learn through a variety of modalities including, but not limited to, classroom instruction; small group, team and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; and use of technology. Candidates must be able to memorize, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and transmit information across modalities. They must recognize and draw conclusions about three-dimensional spatial relationships and logical sequential relationships among events. They must be able to formulate and test hypotheses that enable effective and timely problem-solving in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in a variety of clinical modalities.
Behavioral and Social Attributes
Candidates must demonstrate the maturity and emotional stability required for the full use of their intellectual abilities. They must accept responsibility for learning, exercising good judgment, and promptly completing all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients. They must understand 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 part of the healthcare team, and to interact with patients, their families, and health care personnel in a courteous, professional, and respectful manner. 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. Candidates must be able to contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments; accept constructive feedback from others, and take personal responsibility for making appropriate positive changes. It is expected that minimum accommodation will be requested with regard to this set of standards.
Ethical and Legal Standards
Candidates must meet the legal standards to be licensed to practice medicine. As such, candidates for admission must acknowledge and provide a written explanation of any felony offense or disciplinary action taken against them prior to matriculation in the Program. In addition, should the student be convicted of any felony offense while in the Program, they agree to immediately notify the Program Director as to the nature of the conviction. Failure to disclose prior or new offenses can lead to disciplinary action that may include dismissal.
