Graduation Requirements for the MD Degree

Student Physician Activities (SPAs)

The learning outcomes for the Emory University School of Medicine MD program are stated in terms of the tasks and responsibilities of a professional physician, called Student Physician Activities (SPA). This list of SPAs defines what EUSOM students will learn over the course of their medical school career and will be required to demonstrate prior to graduation.

• SPA PP-01 Fulfill the unique professional role of a physician in society
• SPA PP-02 Demonstrate trustworthiness to patients, colleagues, and other healthcare personnel
• SPA PP-03 Recognize and address ethical dilemmas
• SPA PP-04 Manage time
• SPA PC-05 Take a patient-centered history (focused and complete)
• SPA PC-06 Perform a physical examination (standard and "core and cluster") and recognize normal and abnormal findings
• SPA PC-07 Prioritize a differential diagnosis based on clinical reasoning
• SPA PC-08 Develop a patient care plan that applies best evidence to the care of individual patients
• SPA PC-09 Execute technical procedures* at the specified level of performance
• SPA MK-10 Demonstrate understanding of relevant scientific principles of medicine and explain their application to patient care
• SPA MK-11 Contribute to generalizable medical knowledge
• SPA PL-12 Use feedback to improve one's own practices
• SPA PL-13 Identify personal limitations and seek assistance as needed
• SPA PL-14 Formulate clinical questions and search the literature for evidence that enhances patient care
• SPA PL-15 Use electronic medical records and medical informatics to care for patients
• SPA PL-16 Teach peers and team members
• SPA IC-17 Treat patients while understanding own biases
• SPA IC-18 Communicate with patients and their support system regarding their care
• SPA IC-19 Participate in difficult conversations with patients and their families
• SPA IC-20 Document and present patient findings and treatment plans
• SPA SP-21 Recognize, resist, and work to rectify the inequities in health and health care that reinforce systemic racism, discrimination, and bias
• SPA SP-22 Serve the community
• SPA SP-23 Contribute to healthcare quality and safety initiatives
• SPA SP-24 Work collaboratively in interprofessional teams and with other healthcare professionals

Graduation Technical Procedures List

• Adherence to universal precautions
• Putting on gloves and gowns using sterile technique
• Basic life support (as evidence by completion of a BLS course)
• Use of an automatic external defibrillator
• Drawing venous blood

Academic Requirements

The judgment of the faculty as to the fitness of a student to receive the MD degree is based not only upon scholastic achievement, but also upon demonstration of the attitudes and behaviors expected of a medical professional. Each student must be approved for graduation by the dean and the School of Medicine Council of Chairs.

To be eligible to receive the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Emory University School of Medicine, students must:

1. Have attained satisfactory standing in all courses and clerkships required for the degree.
2. Have mastered the EUSOM SPAs and have successfully completed all the required activities and assessments related to the SPAs.
3. Have taken and successfully passed Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge of the USMLE.
4. Have completed all academic requirements of the MD degree within no more than six academic years from the date of matriculation.
5. Have taken and successfully passed the End of Application (EOA) OSCE.

Financial Obligations for Graduation

It is a requirement for graduation that all financial obligations to the University shall have been satisfied. Students with an unpaid balance on their student accounts may have a hold placed on their diploma and transcripts until the balance is paid in full.