Institutional Objectives for Medical Students
University of Nevada School of Medicine

1. Medical Knowledge
   Students shall acquire the body of knowledge and thinking processes necessary to becoming a competent physician. Students shall:
   • acquire and retain the basic science knowledge base essential to becoming a physician
   • demonstrate the application of basic science principles to clinical practice
   • develop well-rounded and in-depth clinical knowledge
   • demonstrate the ability to formulate a differential diagnosis
   • demonstrate advanced critical thinking skills
   • demonstrate the ability to assimilate information, comprehend conceptual issues, analyze and correlate clinical information
   • demonstrate an understanding of normal human behavior and the impact of human behavior on health and illness.
2. Patient Care
   Students shall acquire the skills necessary to provide competent care for their patients. Students shall:
   • demonstrate the skills necessary to perform a complete and accurate history and physical examination
   • demonstrate the appropriate application of diagnostic studies including laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, and other testing
   • demonstrate the ability to process the information gathered on a patient into a diagnostic and therapeutic plan, i.e. Develop good problem solving-skills
   • demonstrate the ability to critically read the medical literature and apply this information appropriately in the treatment of individual patients in order to practice up-to-date, evidenced-based medicine
   • demonstrate appropriate procedural skills, sterile technique, and universal precautions
   • seek appropriate consultation for their patients
   • work effectively within a team to provide patient-centered care
   • provide care with compassion and respect for all patients.
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 learn to:
   • assess their own learning needs
   • develop the skills to effectively use information technology and other resources to obtain information from the medical literature for optimum patient care
   • practice evidence-based medicine
   • perform ongoing self-assessment and plan for continuing improvement as a physician.

4. Interpersonal Communication Skills
   Students must demonstrate effective communication skills necessary to functioning as a competent physician. Students shall:
   • demonstrate effective listening skills
   • demonstrate proficiency with interviewing and counseling patients and families
   • demonstrate efficient and accurate verbal patient case presentations
   • demonstrate accurate, appropriate, timely and legible documentation in the patient record
   • communicate effectively as a member of a team with other health care providers.
5. Professionalism
   Students shall demonstrate the behaviors befitting an ethical professional at all times. Students shall:
   • exhibit respect, compassion, humility, altruism, duty, and honesty with patients, staff, faculty, fellow students, and themselves
   • be punctual, reliable, and conscientious in fulfilling professional duties
   • demonstrate a commitment to excellence
   • accept responsibility for their own actions
   • respect patient confidentiality
   • practice sensitivity for patients with regard to culture, age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disabilities
   • 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:
   • be a patient advocate
   • demonstrate comprehension of community health and epidemiology
   • understand the importance of quality improvement measures and demonstrate a commitment to patient safety
   • demonstrate an awareness of the types of healthcare coverage currently available
   • demonstrate an appreciation for providing cost effective care.