University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine institutional objectives

1. Medical Knowledge. Students shall acquire the body of knowledge and thinking processes necessary to becoming a competent physician. Students shall:

1.1 acquire, integrate, retain, and renew the basic science knowledge base essential to becoming a physician
1.2 apply scientific principles to clinical practice
1.3 develop well-rounded and in-depth clinical knowledge
1.4 apply critical thinking skills
1.5 formulate a differential diagnosis
1.6 demonstrate an understanding of human behavior and its impact on health and illness

2. Patient Care. Students shall acquire the skills necessary to provide competent care for their patients. Students shall:

2.1 demonstrate the skills necessary to perform a complete and accurate history, physical examination, and mental health evaluation
2.2 order and interpret appropriate diagnostic tests
2.3 process information gathered on a patient into a diagnostic and therapeutic plan
2.4 demonstrate the ability to critically read the medical literature and apply this information appropriately in the treatment of patients in order to practice evidenced-based medicine
2.5 demonstrate appropriate procedural skills, sterile technique, and universal precautions
2.6 seek appropriate consultation for their patients
2.7 work effectively within a team to provide patient-centered care

3. Practice-Based Learning. Students will become self-directed learners particularly within the patient care setting and will strive for ongoing professional improvement. Students shall:

3.1 assess their own learning needs
3.2 develop the skills to effectively use information technology and other resources to obtain information from the medical literature for optimum patient care
3.3 perform ongoing self-assessment and plan for continuing development as a physician

4. Interpersonal Communication Skills. Students must demonstrate effective communication skills necessary to function as a competent physician. Students shall:

4.1 demonstrate effective listening skills and empathic communication skills
4.2 demonstrate proficiency with interviewing and counseling patients and families
4.3 deliver efficient and accurate patient case presentations
4.4 demonstrate accurate, appropriate, timely and legible documentation in the patient record
4.5 communicate effectively with other healthcare providers as a member of a team

5. Professionalism. Students shall demonstrate the behaviors befitting an ethical professional at all times. Students shall:

5.1 apply ethical principles to the treatment of patients
5.2 practice awareness of personal limitations and accept responsibility for their own actions
5.3 exhibit respect, compassion, humility, altruism, and honesty with patients, families, and all other health care team members
5.4 fulfill professional duties in a timely, reliable, and conscientious manner
5.5 respect patient confidentiality
5.6 demonstrate sensitivity for patients, families, the health care team, and self with regard to culture, spiritual beliefs, age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and disabilities
5.7 demonstrate professionalism in dress, hygiene, and demeanor

6. Systems-Based Practice. Students shall begin to develop an understanding of the setting in which they will practice medicine and the challenges of providing cost effective care. Students shall:

6.1 be a patient advocate
6.2 demonstrate knowledge of community health and epidemiology
6.3 understand the importance of quality improvement measures
6.4 demonstrate a commitment to patient safety
6.5 demonstrate knowledge of current systems of healthcare delivery and community resources
6.6 demonstrate an understanding of cost effective care
6.7 cultivate an awareness of local, national, and global health disparities
6.8 demonstrate knowledge of healthcare needs, especially those prevalent in Nevada