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Goals of the Curriculum

The Eight Domains of Competence

SUNY Downstate's domains of competence delineate the attitudes, knowledge and skills that students should possess upon graduation from this medical school. Each domain represents a distinct but interrelated component of an integrated model of physician competency. These competencies form the basis for graduation from Downstate, assuring that the physician is knowledgeable, technically skilled, socially conscious and professionally responsible. Upon graduation from SUNY Downstate, the student will have demonstrated the following:

1. Professionalism

The graduate demonstrates integrity and honesty in her/his role as a physician, respect and responsiveness to the needs of patients and society that supersedes self-interest, and high standards of moral and ethical behavior. Included in this is awareness of the ethical dimensions and broader social issues in the practice of medicine and health care policy.

2. A knowledge of basic science that forms the basis of clinical medicine

The graduate demonstrates knowledge of the basis of disease and its natural history at the molecular, cellular and system level, understanding the scientific rationale that guides therapeutic intervention. Inherent in this competency is an understanding of the scientific process and a commitment to the use of scientific knowledge in the clinical care of patients.

3. Effective communication

The graduate conducts a thorough patient-centered interview, eliciting a medical history from patients of diverse backgrounds in major clinical venues, forming a therapeutic alliance which encourages patient education, counseling and shared decision making. The graduate communicates clearly in writing and orally with members of the health care team in order to effectively teach and coordinate care.

4. Basic Clinical Skills

The graduate demonstrates skill in eliciting information from the medical history and physical examination in a compassionate and respectful manner. The graduate uses appropriate and cost-effective laboratory tests and technology, and synthesizes patient information to arrive at a reasoned diagnosis, therapeutic plan, and ongoing management.

5. An understanding of health maintenance and disease prevention

The graduate demonstrates the ability to educate patients and their families to adopt health-promoting behavior, and to work within a health care team to optimize health. Moreover, the SUNY graduate will know those practices that maintain the health of the patient and those that address the health of a population.

6. An awareness of healthcare in the context of community and society

The graduate understands the many non-biological factors that influence health, disease, disability, and access to care. Specifically, the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University graduate will be aware of those issues affecting health and the resources available to care for patients within an urban, culturally diverse community.

7. Information management

The graduate must demonstrate competency in utilizing resources that support clinical decision making, including an understanding of the principles of evidence based medicine. This requires the ability to critically appraise the literature and to apply this knowledge to the care of the individual patient.

8. A commitment to life-long learning

The graduate recognizes and reflects upon personal limitations in knowledge and experience, and uses feedback to enhance her/his ability to fulfill the role of a physician. There is evidence of a clear commitment to on-going learning to maintain state-of-the-art patient care.