Knowledge and Lifelong Learning

 

By the conclusion of the Family Medicine clerkship the student will:

Demonstrate knowledge in the clinical sciences appropriate to the discipline of Family Medicine, integrating the basic sciences as indicated.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of diagnosis and management of common outpatient problems which present to the family physician.

2. Develop diagnostic assessments and management plans for common ambulatory illnesses utilizing clinical problem-solving techniques.

3. Develop the capacity for self-directed learning as evidenced by:

1. Exploring the medical literature regarding cases seen in the preceptor sites.

2. Read pertinent articles about outpatient topics seen in the office or discussed in didactic sessions.

3. Perform an in-depth examination of a topic of interest in preparation for the major talk.

4. Develop knowledge of the socioeconomic and cultural influences on health and healthcare delivery to all patient populations.

4. Participate in patient care of a continuing nature, including follow-up of cases and preventive health techniques, by spending four days per week in a Family Medicine setting.

5. Attend to hospitalized patients with their preceptor when appropriate.

6. Advocate for quality patient care and assist patients in dealing with system complexities, recognizing the barriers to coordination of health care and recommending improvements.

7. Participate in a community service experience during the rotation. Identify psychosocial, cultural, familial, spiritual, economic, legal, and political factors affecting healthcare and respond by advocating for appropriate action needed for individuals and communities.

8. Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to patients’ culture, ethnicity, age, gender, and disabilities when providing care.

9. Participate in the practice of clinical medicine within the Family Medicine model, emphasizing first contact, continuing, coordinated, and comprehensive care for all patients.

10. Participate in Family Medicine activities of personal interest (i.e. sports medicine, chemical dependency, rural Family Practice, etc.) as desired.

 

Interpersonal and Communication

Establish professional relationships with patients, gather medical family and social histories, and conduct physical examinations as indicated in order to construct a differential diagnosis and recommend treatment consistent with standards of care.

1. Develop hands-on experience in patient care by seeing patients independently and performing necessary history-taking and physical examination.

2. Participate in discussion and impromptu teaching sessions with the preceptors in order to gain exposure to approaches in management of common ambulatory illnesses. Demonstrate clear, professional, and effective communication (written and oral) with patients, family members, colleagues, and other health care professionals.

3. Document history and physical findings, assessments, and management plans in the medical record.

4. Develop and refine the skills of teaching and communicating with professionals and patients by:

1. Preparing and presenting the major and mini-talks to classmates.

2. Presenting cases to the preceptors.

3. Interacting with patients in the capacity of teaching and counseling.

4. Deliver and accept constructive feedback.

5. Demonstrate the capacity to respond appropriately to constructive feedback given throughout the rotation and specifically at mid-rotation evaluations and in the observed focused visit.

6. Complete weekly evaluation forms for student and faculty presentations.

 

Professionalism, Advocacy, and Personal Growth

Identify personal strengths and weaknesses in patient care and within the healthcare team and work to facilitate collaborative relationships.

1. Interact with other health care professionals to comprehend the role of the Family Physician as the coordinator of total health care of the patient.

2. Demonstrate respect for patients and families.

3. Recognize limits of personal knowledge.

4. Assess one’s own strengths, weaknesses, and health (physical and emotional) and be willing to seek and accept supervision and constructive feedback.

5. Demonstrate responsible behaviors, consistent with the highest ethical standards of the profession of Family Medicine.

6. Be punctual and attend all required events.

7. Demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and accountability in the care of all patients.

8. Document and present medical data accurately and truthfully.

9. Recognize the importance of maintaining continuing professional responsibility for the patients’ and families’ health care.

10. Demonstrate respect for patient confidentiality and privacy regulations.

11. Avoid imposing personal values by using non-directive counseling when appropriate.

12. Demonstrate respect for patients whose lifestyles and values may be different from your own. Demonstrate commitment to leadership and the advancement of knowledge.

13. Demonstrate scholarship in the form of contributing to a positive learning environment, collaborating with colleagues, and performing self-assessment and self-directed learning.

14. Perform concise, problem-focused presentation of the patient that reflects critical thinking in clinical decision making.