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The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine's motto
is, "Serving the People." As such, it is inherent that a candidate
for the MD Degree must possess certain abilities and skills. The candidate
must be able to observe and communicate. He or she must possess motor, intellectual-conceptual
(integrative and quantitative), and behavioral and social skills. Reasonable
technical accommodation can be made for some handicaps in certain of these
areas. However, with such accommodation, a student still must be able to perform
in a reasonably independent manner. The use of a trained intermediary is not
acceptable in many clinical situations because a student's judgment is then
mediated by someone else's power of selection and observation.
I. Observation Skills
A medical student must be able to acquire a defined level of required information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in the basic sciences, including but not limited to information conveyed through physiologic and pharmacological demonstrations in animals, microbiological cultures, and microscopic images of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. Furthermore, a medical student must be able to:
observe a patient accurately, at a distance and close at hand; acquire information from written documents; and visualize information as presented in images from paper, films, slides, or video;
interpret x-ray and other graphic images, and digital or analog representations of physiologic phenomenon (such as EKGs).
Such observation and information acquisition necessitates
the functional use of visual, auditory, and somatic senses while being enhanced
by the functional use of other sensory modalities. In any case where a medical
student's ability to observe or acquire information through these sensory
modalities is compromised, the student must demonstrate alternative means
and/or abilities to acquire the essential information conveyed in this fashion.
II. Communication Skills
A medical student must be able to speak, to hear, and to
observe patients by sight in order to elicit information; describe changes
in mood, activity and posture; and perceive nonverbal communications. A student
is expected to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication
includes speech and writing. A medical student must be able to communicate
effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the
health care team.
III. Motor Skills
It is required that a medical student possess the motor
skills necessary to directly perform palpation, percussion, auscultation,
and other diagnostic maneuvers, basic laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures.
A medical student must be able to execute motor movements reasonably required
to provide general and emergency medical care such as airway management, placement
of intravenous catheters, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of pressure
to control bleeding, suturing of wounds, and the performance of simple obstetrical
maneuvers. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular
movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
IV. Intellectual-Conceptual (Integrative and Quantitative)
Abilities
The medical student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate
and synthesize. In addition, the student must be able to comprehend three-dimensional
relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures. Problem
solving, the most critical skill demanded of physicians, requires all of these
intellectual abilities. The student must be able to perform these problem-solving
skills in a timely fashion.
V. Social and Behavioral Attitudes
A medical student must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. The student must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. He or she must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients.
The Committee on Admissions at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine will consider for admission to the College any applicant who demonstrates the ability to acquire knowledge necessary for the practice of medicine as well as the ability to perform or to learn to perform the skills as described in this document. Students will be judged not only on their scholastic accomplishments, but also on their physical and emotional capacities to meet the full requirements of the College's curriculum and to graduate as skilled and effective practitioners of medicine.
