STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES:

The over-arching objective of the MD program is the graduation of physicians who are competent, to the satisfaction of the faculty and the standards of the profession, in the following areas:

• Medical Knowledge

• Patient Care

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Practice-based Learning and Improvement

• Systems-based Practice

• Professionalism

The Program Objectives are informed by well-established standards of medical education and designed to reflect the unique strengths and goals of The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

George Washington seeks to educate physician citizens who understand domestic and global health issues and who are prepared to participate in health care decision-making. The educational program will build upon the attributes of each student by promoting the acquisition of knowledge and skills in health care policy, community health, medical education, global health, research, and scholarship with opportunities for the individualization of academic programs based upon unique interests.

Our graduates will demonstrate dedication to compassionate care, advocacy, and service. They will learn in a collaborative environment and adopt an approach to education and health care that is founded upon successful interdisciplinary cooperation.

By adopting skills for life-long learning, graduate physicians of George Washington will be able to continue to grow as professionals throughout the rest of their medical careers.

Through the institution’s strong dedication to instruction in clinical skills, our students will graduate with the focused scientific knowledge and specific skills required to perform successfully during postgraduate training in their chosen specialties.

OUTLINE OF OBJECTIVES:


I. Medical Knowledge: Each graduate will demonstrate knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, and social-behavioral sciences as well as the application of this knowledge to serve as the basis for the development of the master clinician and to inform their participation as physician citizens in healthcare decisions on a local and global level.

By the time of graduation, students are expected to:

I.1. Apply the scientific basis of the normal structure, development, function, and relationships among the major organ systems of the body to concepts of health and disease.

I.2. Link biochemical, physiological, neurological, and immunological mechanisms to their role in maintaining body homeostasis.

I.3. Apply principles of pathophysiology to diseases and disorders.

I.4. Evaluate the role of immunology and microbiology in health and disease.

I.5. Compare and contrast the genetic processes and environmental influences on health and on disease and its treatment.

I.6. Interpret the role of normal human biological, cognitive, psychological, and behavioral development across the life span as determinants of health and illness.

I.7. Interpret the clinical, laboratory, pathologic, and radiologic manifestations of common diseases in patient care.

I.8. Apply pharmacological principles to medical therapeutics.

I.9. Apply principles of nutrition for maintaining optimal health and managing disease.

I.10. Apply the principles of epidemiology to the practice of medicine for the individual and the local and global communities.

I.11. Describe how the principles of complementary medicine apply to patient care.

I.12 Discuss the scientific method, clinical, and translational research as they relate to patient care.


II. Patient Care: Each graduate will function in an inter-professional healthcare team to deliver effective and compassionate patient-centered care.

By the time of graduation, students are expected to:

II.1. Elicit a complete and accurate patient history including belief systems, spiritual and cultural issues and incorporate these into the comprehensive care of a patient.

II.2. Perform an accurate and relevant screening and focused physical and mental status examinations.

II.3. Perform common clinical procedures.

II.4. Select appropriate physical examination techniques, laboratory tests, radiologic, and other clinical studies and interpret the results.

II.5. Access biomedical information resources and call on appropriate consultants to support evidence-based medical care.

II.6. Formulate a plan for the diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions.

II.7. Recognize life-threatening conditions and institute appropriate initial care.

II.8. Identify opportunities for early intervention, prevention, and health education taking into account barriers to change.
 

III. Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Each graduate will communicate and interact effectively with patients, their families, and members of the inter-professional health care team.

By the time of graduation, students are expected to:

III.1. Demonstrate empathic patient-centered communication.

III.2. Inform the patient and his/her representatives about the status of the patient’s health and condition.

III.3. Synthesize and present a coherent description of the patient’s clinical condition based upon the information obtained from the patient and other resources.

III.4. Demonstrate shared decision-making with patients including discussing the risks and benefits of medical interventions and obtaining informed consent.

III.5. Demonstrate skills and strategies for engaging patients and their families in difficult conversations (eg. End-of-life, medical errors, serious diagnosis, etc.) .

III.6. Collaborate effectively with other health care professionals in caring for patients.

III.7. Negotiate conflicts within health care teams.

III.8. Consider the patient’s culture, beliefs and level of health literacy in communicating effectively.


IV. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement: Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to continuously evaluate patient care practices, and appraise and assimilate scientific evidence, in order to improve the practice of medicine and ensure the safety and quality of patient care.

By the time of graduation, students are expected to:

IV.1. Evaluate study design, methods and results as they apply to evidence-based medicine.

IV.2. Apply reflection and feedback to incorporate lessons learned into future practice.

IV.3. Utilize electronic and other resources in the practice of life-long learning.

IV.4. Apply medical standards, clinical practice guidelines, and practice algorithms appropriately for individual patients or populations.

IV.5. Use learner-centered principles to teach colleagues, patients and the community-at-large about health and medical issues.

IV.6. Critically appraise the effectiveness of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
 

V. Systems-Based Practice: Each graduate will recognize and respond to issues in the broader healthcare system and will effectively utilize system resources to provide optimal healthcare to the individual patient, and to the local and global communities.

By the time of graduation, students are expected to:

V.1. Discuss the role of advocacy and healthcare policy in improving patient care.

V.2. Use system resources available to patients and communities for health education, treatment, and rehabilitation of medical and psychiatric conditions.

V.3. Define the elements in the healthcare system that lead to disparities in health and access to healthcare.

V.4. Interpret information about the health of patient populations and communities to identify needs and plan appropriate interventions in support of population health.

V.5. Explain how diverse cultures and belief systems impact perception of health and illness and response to symptoms, diseases, and diagnostic and treatment interventions.

V.6. Apply the principles of cost-effective healthcare in patient care.

V.7. Analyze the organization, financing, and delivery of health care.

V.8. Discuss the role of medical jurisprudence and conflicts of interest in the healthcare system.
 

VI. Professionalism: Each graduate will demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to diverse patient populations.

By the time of graduation, students are expected to:

VI.1. Apply the theories and principles that govern ethical decision making.

VI.2. Demonstrate ethical behavior including:

VI.3. Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, dependability, and integrity in all professional activities.

VI.4. Promote ethical and professional behavior of peers.

VI.5. Recognize personal and professional conflicts of interest.