Graduates apply problem solving and critical thinking skills to problems in basic science and clinical medicine. They draw upon their understanding of the basic sciences, along with their knowledge of normal processes and disease prevention and of disease and therapeutics in order to solve clinical problems.

Graduates obtain appropriate histories and perform skillful, comprehensive and accurate patient examinations. They develop appropriate differential diagnoses and patient care management plans. They recognize and understand the principles for managing life-threatening situations. They select, perform and accurately interpret the results of laboratory tests and clinical procedures in making patient care decisions, and use appropriate diagnostic and treatment technologies in providing patient care. Graduates document and present this patient care information in a clear, concise and complete manner.

Graduates are proficient in the identification, acquisition, critical assessment and synthesis of patient care data and information from the literature in making informed patient care decisions. They are familiar with and use the appropriate informational technologies to gather this information. They also make decisions in light of ambiguous information.

Graduates demonstrate reliability and dependability; and effective interpersonal, communication and listening skills in their interactions with others, including health care team members, patients and their families. They recognize and make decisions in light of the ethical considerations of medical practice. Graduates demonstrate compassion and advocacy for patients, along with respect for patients’ rights and privacy. They also demonstrate through their daily interactions their understanding of the contributions of other health care disciplines and providers to patient care, clinical problem solving, and research questions.

Graduates understand the physician’s role and responsibilities in promoting the health of the community and the underlying principles of preventive medicine and population-based health care delivery. They encourage patients’ health and wellness through patient education. They integrate into patient care the many psychosocial factors that influence health and disease: family characteristics, gender, sexual orientation, age, culture, spirituality, economics, education, and nutrition, along with legal, environmental and working conditions. They understand that patients’ values, goals and concerns are important considerations in the formulation of care plans. In providing quality health care these graduates consider the economic implications to the individual patient as well as to society. Graduates understand and appropriately mobilize community-based resources and services in planning and providing patient care.