Program Defined Competencies
Upon completion of the Salus University Physician Assistant Program, a student is expected to have achieved the following Program defined competencies:
1) Medical Knowledge
- Identify the signs and symptoms for commonly presenting disease processes.
- Construct a differential diagnosis for commonly presenting symptoms.
- Identify the indications for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures commonly utilized in outpatient and emergency medical settings.
- Recognize and treat, with clinician collaboration, common medical conditions.
- Discuss indications, contraindications and appropriate use for commonly used medications.
- Recognize side effects and drug interactions as they relate to the polypharmacy of comorbid conditions.
2) Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Provide accurate and appropriately formatted documentation for patient history and physical examinations.
- Present the data gathered in patient encounters in a concise and accurate summary.
- Establish rapport with patient and family, and demonstrate concern for patient’s welfare.
- Provide medical education at the patient and/or family’s level of comprehension.
3) Patient Care
- Obtain both a comprehensive and problem-focused history.
- Perform both a comprehensive and problem-focused physical examination.
- Synthesize information acquired through all aspects of a patient encounter demonstrating appropriate progression of thought.
- Manage, with clinical collaboration, conditions specific to the patient’s presentation.
- Provide appropriate referral for secondary evaluation, as well as community-based resources.
4) Professionalism
- Demonstrate awareness of appropriate professional behavior and insight regarding clinical practice limitations.
- Demonstrate appropriate rapport with patients, nurses, residents, attending physicians, allied health professionals and ancillary hospital personnel.
- Accept constructive criticism and demonstrate the ability to improve performance based on that feedback.
5) Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
- Utilize current evidence-based medicine in the care and management of patients.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of family/support systems and cultural influences upon disease and health outcomes.
6) Systems-Based Practice
- Demonstrate adherence to the guidelines of universal precautions and sterile procedure when required.
- Approach the use of diagnostic studies and therapeutic management with a cost-effective perspective.