Goals and Competencies

Department/Program: Master of Science in Medicine, Physician Assistant
Assessment Coordinator:
Program Director: Andrew Zolp, MSM, PA-C, Program Director
Lead person (or team):
Date updated/submitted: August 2024

MISSION

The Department of Physician Assistant at 色色啦 Michigan University is dedicated to educating competent, caring physician assistants to practice primary care medicine in all areas of society.

Goal #1: The 色色啦 Michigan University Physician Assistant Program is committed to developing physician assistants who exhibit professionalism in varied roles with multiple populations across society.

Measures

1. 95% of students will score 鈥3.5鈥 or higher regarding professionalism on the spring semester, Mid-Term OSCE.  Rating scale: 0 to 5.

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort
Mid-Term OSCE Professionalism
Score 鈥 0 to 3
(Below BM)
Score 鈥 3.5 to 5
(Meets BM)
2023 *380 students 鈥 0%38 students - 100%
2024400 students- 0%40 students- 100%

* This measure was implemented with class of 2023

2. 95% of students will receive a final professionalism score of 鈥渟atisfactory鈥 or better on all (9-11 depending on placements) preceptor evaluations of the student.  Rating scale: unacceptable, needs work, satisfactory, good, exceeds based on question: 鈥淒emonstrating proper professional appearance and attitude, ethical conduct and respect for patients, families and the healthcare team鈥 

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort
Preceptor Evaluation regarding Professionalism
Needs Improvement
(Below BM)
Satisfactory or better
(Meets BM)
2021380 students 鈥 0%38 students 鈥 100%
2022400 students 鈥 0%40 students 鈥 100%
2023380 students- 0%38 students- 100%
   3-year average- 100%

Goal #2: Graduates of the 色色啦 Michigan University Physician Assistant Program will demonstrate an understanding of how to utilize evidence-based medicine in the management of patients 

Measures

1. 100% of students will pass MDSC 6800, MDSC 6801, MDSC 6802 and MDSC 7100.

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort
MDSC 6800 Course Grade
70% or greater
(Meets BM)
MDSC 6801 Course Grade
70% or greater
(Meets BM)
MDSC 6802 Course Grade
70% or greater
(Meets BM)
MDSC 7100 Course Grade
Pass
(Meets BM)
20203939 students = 100%39 students = 100%39 students = 100%39 students = 100%
20213838 students = 100%38 students = 100%38 students = 100%38 students = 100%
20224040 students = 100%40 students = 100%40 students = 100%40 students = 100%
20233838 students = 100%38 students = 100%38 students = 100% 
  4-year average  100%4-year average  100%4-year average 100%3-year average 100%

2. 95% of students will receive a final score of 鈥渟atisfactory鈥 or better on all evidence-based (9-11 depending on placements) preceptor evaluations of the student.  Rating scale: unacceptable, needs work, satisfactory, good, exceeds based on question 鈥淩ecommending medications; taking into account side effects, patient profile, drug interactions and evidence based recommendations鈥

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort
Preceptor Evaluation regarding using evidence-based medicine
Needs Improvement
(Below BM)
Satisfactory or better
(Meets BM)
2021380 students 鈥 0%38 students 鈥 100%
2022400 students 鈥 0%40 students 鈥 100%
2023380 students- 0%38 students- 100%
   3-year average 100%

Goal #3: Graduates of the 色色啦 Michigan University Physician Assistant Program will effectively work and communicate with patients, physicians, and other health care professionals. 

Measures

1. 95% of students will receive a final communication score of 鈥渟atisfactory鈥 or better on all (9-11 depending on placements) preceptor evaluations of the student.  Rating scale: unacceptable, needs work, satisfactory, good, exceeds based on the following questions: 鈥淪ummarizing and articulating pertinent patient data in a concise and accurate manner to preceptor of record or other provider鈥. 鈥淧roviding appropriate patient and family education and/or appropriate anticipatory guidance.鈥

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort
Preceptor Evaluation regarding communication
Needs Improvement
(Below BM)
Satisfactory or better
(Meets BM)
2021380 students 鈥 0%38 students 鈥 100%
2022400 students 鈥 0%40 students 鈥 100%
2023380 students- 0%38 students- 100%
   3-year average 100%

2. 100% of all students will receive 3.5 or higher on the summative exam regarding communication.  Rating system: 0-5. 

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort
Summative Evaluation regarding communication
69.9% or less
(Below BM)
70% or greater
(Meets BM)
2021380 students 鈥 0%38 students - 100%
2022400 students 鈥 0%40 students 鈥 100%
2023380 students- 0%38 students- 100%

3. Student impression of their Interprofessional Education Experience will rate 50% or greater for 鈥淪trongly Agree鈥 plus 鈥淎gree鈥. 

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort
End-of-Program Survey student impression on Interprofessional Education Experience
(Below BM)50% or greater for 鈥淪trongly Agree鈥 plus 鈥淎gree鈥
(Meets BM)
202138Did not fall below BM65.00%
202240Did not fall below BM76.93%
202338Did not fall below BM91.67%
   3-year average = 77.86%

Goal #4: The 色色啦 Michigan University Physician Assistant program encourages students to continue a strong tradition of service to the community. 

Measures

1. Participation in MAPA charity drive. BM set at 50% student participation for event (s).

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort
Participation in MAPA Charity Drive
49.9% or less
(Below BM)
50% or greater
(Meets BM)
2020390 students 鈥 0%100% of students
2021380 students 鈥 0%100% of students
2022400 students 鈥 0%100% of students
2023400 students- 0%100% of students
   4-year average = 100%

2. The PA program will participate in a minimum of two charity event per cohort.

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort
Number of Charity Drives per Cohort
0-1
(Below BM)
2 or more
(Meets BM)
2020390 events 鈥 0%3 Events
2021380 events 鈥 0%3 Events *
2022400 events 鈥 0%2 Events *
2023400 events- 0%3 Events
   4-year average = 100%

* Impacted by COVID

Our program learning outcomes are as follows:

Student Learning Outcomes (Instructional Objectives)Competency
MKCR/PSCS/TSPROFICS
Obtain a detailed history congruent with the patient's chief complaintX X X
Acquire a comprehensive medical history with sensitivity and respect for the unique health concerns of the patientX X X
Demonstrate knowledge of expected physical, cognitive and/or behavioral milestones for given sex and age of patient, with respect to performing a patient examX X X
Perform a focused physical exam based on patient's chief complaintX X  
Summarize and articulate pertinent patient data in a concise and accurate to accurately document patient careX X X
Formulate a differential diagnosis based on common concerns seen when delivering primary care to patient of any ageXX   
Understand when to order and how to interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests for initial evaluation of common medical concernsXXX  
Develop appropriate treatment plans for common concerns seen when delivering primary care to patients of all ages; to include medication therapies, lifestyle modifications, non-medication interventions and specialist referrals as necessary in order to meet the medical, surgical and emotional needs of each patientXX   
Develop and record patient progress notes in the specified clinical settingXXX  
Know how to develop plans for appropriate timing of age specific preventive medicine/health visitsXX   
Demonstrate effective communication, providing appropriate and timely guidance and education to the patientX   X
Evaluate a patient and identify signs and symptoms that signal common complaints or processesXXX  
Demonstrate proper professional appearance and attitude, ethical conduct and respect for patients, families and the healthcare team   XX
Demonstrate a positive attitude toward learning, being attentive to instruction and open to guidance   XX
Demonstrate an awareness of role and limitations   X 
Safely and correctly perform clinical procedures within the scope of the physician assistant practice  X  

LEGEND:

  • Medical Knowledge (MK)
  • Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving (CR/PS)
  • Clinical Skills and Technical Skills (CS/TS)
  • Professionalism (PROF)
  • Interpersonal and Communication Skills (ICS)

Our timeframe for assessing each outcome, and the people leading the assessment are as follows:

Outcome #TimeframeLead
#1End of semester
End of program
Annually
Instructor of Record (IOR)
Program Director (PD)
Director of Clinical Education (DCE)
#2End of semester
End of program
Annually
IOR
PD
DCE
#3End of semester
Annually
IOR
PD
#4End of Semester
End of program
Annually
IOR
PD
DCE
#5End of semester
End of program
Annually
IOR
DCE
PD
#6End of semester
End of program
Annually
IOR
DCE
PD
#7End of semester
End of program
Annually
IOR
DCE
PD
#8End of semester
End of program
Annually
IOR
DCE
PD
#9End of Rotation
Annually
DCE
PD
#10End of semester
End of program
Annually
IOR
DCE
PD
#11End of semester
End of program
Annually
IOR
DCE
PD
#12End of semester
End of program
Annually
IOR
DCE
PD
#13End of semesterIOR
PD
DCE
#14End of semesterIOR
PD
DCE
#15End of semesterIOR
PD
DCE

The program uses the following assessment tools for testing student success in meeting the aforementioned learning outcomes:

Instrument, Activity, AssignmentPurposeHow GradedStudent Learning Outcomes (SLO) #s
Case StudiesCritical medical thinkingRubric#6, #8, #12
Diagnostic Skill ProjectPractical clinical applicationFaculty reviewed, student self-corrected#7
End-of-Semester ReviewEvaluate student performance and professionalismDiscussion and observation#11, #13, #14, #15
End-of-Rotation Exam (EOR)Summative evaluation of knowledgeMultiple choice exam#4, #7, #8, #12
History and Physicals (H&P)Practical clinical applicationRubric#1, #2, #3, #4, #7, #8, #9
Hands-on Diagnostic SkillsDemonstrate proficiency of clinical skillsFaculty observation, Rubric#7
Lecture and Lab ExamsSummative evaluation of medical knowledgeMultiple choice exam, Rubric#3, #7, #12
Mentoring EvaluationExternal evaluation of student preparednessRubric#3, #4, #5, #8, #12, #13, #14, #15
Mentoring H&PPractical clinical applicationRubric#2, #3, #5
Mentoring Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan Note (SOAP)Practical clinical applicationRubric#5
Module ExamSummative evaluation of medical knowledgeMultiple choice exam#1, #2, #3, #7, #8, #10, #11, #12
Online CDC ActivityStandardized contentSelf-evaluated#10
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)Practical clinical experience 
Critical medical thinking
Faculty observed, Rubric#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #8, #12, #13, #14, #15
Preceptor EvaluationExternal evaluation of student preparednessRubric#1, #2, #3, #4, #6, #7, #8, #9, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15
Presentation
(Individual or Group)
Peer to peer education Student collaborationFaculty observation, Rubric#2, #8, #11
Role-PlayingStudent immersion into medical disparity and patient educationFaculty observation#8
Simulated PatientPractical experience Critical medical thinkingFaculty observed, Rubric#4
Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan Note (SOAP)Practical clinical applicationRubric#1, #3, #4, #5, #7, #8, #9, #12
Summative EvaluationSummative evaluation of medical knowledge Critical medical thinking Practical clinical applicationMultiple choice questions, Faculty observation, Rubric#1, #4, #6, #7, #8, #12, #13, #14, #15
Team Based Learning (TBL) ActivityCritical medical thinkingRubric, Multiple Choice Questions#7, #8, #12
Written AssignmentCritical medical thinkingRubric#2, #8
Written Group Work ActivityStudent collaboration
 
Critical medical thinking
Rubric Rubric#8

The following "curriculum map" illustrates which courses and requirements help students meet the intended outcomes. Each outcome is identified with a number corresponding to the Student Learning Outcomes (Instructional Objectives) listed in section 3, and lists the activity/assignment/instrument type outlined in section 4. Students are introduced to each outcome early in the program (indicated by an "I" on the curriculum map). The outcomes are then reinforced and students practice throughout the program ("R"). Near the end of the program, students demonstrate mastery ("M") and the program collects evidence of that learning ("A").

CoursesOutcome 1Outcome 2Outcome 3Outcome 4Outcome 5Outcome 6Outcome 7Outcome 8Outcome 9Outcome 10Outcome 11
MDSC 6110: The Diagnostic Process I#1, module exam and SOAP (I)#5, SOAP (I)#8, SOAP (I)#12, module exam and SOAP (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)      
MDSC 6120: The Diagnostic Process II#1, module exam, SOAP and OSCE (R)#2, OSCE, Mentoring H&P (I)#3, OSCE, mentoring H&P module exam (I)#4, OSCE (I)#5, OSCE, SOAP (R)#6, OSCE (I)#8,OSCE, SOAP (I)#12, module exam, SOAP, OSCE, mentoring evaluation (R)#13, #14, #15, OSCE, mentoring evaluation (R), end-of-semester review (A)  
MDSC 6130: The Diagnostic Process III#1, module exam, SOAP and OSCE (R)#2, OSCE, Mentoring H&P (R)#3, mentoring SOAP, evaluation (R)#4, OSCE, mentoring evaluation (R)#5, OSCE, SOAP, mentoring SOAP/H&P, evaluation (R)#6, OSCE (R)#8, OSCE, SOAP, mentoring evaluation (I)#12, module exam, SOAP, OSCE, mentoring evaluation (R)#13, #14, #15, OSCE, mentoring evaluation (R), end-of-semester review (A)  
MDSC 6210: Medical Pathophysiology I#8, module exam and case studies (I)#12, module exam and case studies (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)        
MDSC 6220: Medical Pathophysiology II#8, module exam and case studies (I)#12, module exam and case studies (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)        
MDSC 6230: Medical Pathophysiology III#8, module exam and case studies (I)#12, module exam and case studies (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)        
MDSC 6310: Integrated Medicine I#6, case studies (I)#8, module exam and case studies (I)#12, module exam and case studies (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)       
MDSC 6320: Integrated Medicine II#4, simulated patient (I)#8, module exam and case studies (I)#10, module exam (I)#12, module exam and case studies (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)      
MDSC 6330: Integrated Medicine III#8, module exam and case studies (I)#12, module exam and case studies (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)        
MDSC 6340: Integrated Medicine IV#6, case studies (I)#8, module exam and case studies (I)#10, module exam (I)#12, module exam and case studies (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)      
MDSC 6350: Integrated Medicine V#8, module exam and TBL group/case work (I)#10, module exam (I)#12, module exam, TBL activity (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)       
MDSC 6360: Integrated Medicine VI#8, module exam (I)#10, module exam (I)#12, module exam (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)       
MDSC 6370: Integrated Medicine VII#8, module exam and case studies (I)#12, module exam and case studies (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)        
MDSC 6380: Integrated Medicine VIII#7, TBL activity (I)#8, module exam and TBL activity (I)#10, module exam (I)#12, module exam and TBL case studies (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)      
MDSC 6390: Integrated Medicine IX#3, module exam (I)#8, module exam and case studies (I)#10, module exam, on-line CDC activity (I)#12, module exam and case studies (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)      
MDSC 6410: Procedures and Diagnostic Testing I#7, module exam, diagnostic skill project (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)         
MDSC 6420: Procedures and Diagnostic Testing II#7, module exam, hand-on diagnostic skills (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)         
MDSC 6430: Procedures and Diagnostic Testing III#7, module exam, hand-on diagnostic skills (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)         
MDSC 6510: Health Promotion and Patient Counseling I#2, module exam, written assignment, presentation (I)#8, written assignments, exam, and presentation (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)        
MDSC 6520: Health Promotion and Patient Counseling II#2, role-playing and presentation (I)#8, module exam, role-playing and presentation (I)#11, group presentations (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)       
MDSC 6530: Health Promotion and Patient Counseling III#2, role-playing, written assignment, exam (I)#8, role-playing, exam, written group work activity#11, module exam (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)       
MDSC 6550: Professional Issues for Physician Assistants I#2, group presentation, exam (I)#8, group presentation, exam (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)        
MDSC 6560: Professional Issues for Physician Assistants II#2, group presentation, exam (I)#8, group presentation, exam (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)        
MDSC 6610: Pharmacotherapeutics I#6, case studies (I)#8, module exam and  cases (I)#12, module exam and case studies (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)       
MDSC 6620: Pharmacotherapeutics II#6, case studies (R)#8, module exam and  cases (I)#12, module exam and case studies (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)       
MDSC 6630: Pharmacotherapeutics III#6, case studies (R)#8, module exam and  cases (I)#12, module exam and case studies (I)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)       
MDSC 6710: Advanced Clinical Anatomy I#3, lecture and lab exams (I)#6, case studies (I and R)#7, lecture and lab exams  (I)#12, lecture and lab exam (I and R)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)      
MDSC 6720: Advanced Clinical Anatomy II#3, lecture and lab exams (I and R)#6, case studies (I and R)#7, lecture and lab exams  (I)#12, lecture and lab exam (I and R)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)      
MDSC 6730: Advanced Clinical Anatomy III#3, lecture and lab exams (I and R)#6, case studies (I and R)#7, lecture and lab exams  (I)#12, lecture and lab exam (I and R)#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)      
MDSC 6800: Research Concepts for Physician Assistants#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)          
MDSC 6801: Research Methods II for Physician Assistants#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)          
MDSC 6802: Research Methods III for Physician Assistants#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)          
MDSC 6810: Professional Field Experience 鈥 Women鈥檚 Health#1, Preceptor evaluation and H&P (A)#4, Preceptor Evaluation, H&P, SOAP, EOR (A&M)#6, Preceptor evaluation (A)#7, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#8, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#9, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P (A)#11, Preceptor evaluation (A)#12, Preceptor evaluation and EOR (A&M)#13, 14, 15, Preceptor evaluation (A), End-of-semester review (A)  
MDSC 6820 Professional Field Experience - Pediatrics#1, Preceptor evaluation and H&P (A)#3, Preceptor evaluation, H&P, and SOAP (A)#4, Preceptor Evaluation, H&P, SOAP, EOR (A&M)#6, Preceptor evaluation (A)#7, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#8, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#9, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P (A)#11, Preceptor evaluation (A)#12, Preceptor evaluation and EOR (A&M)#13, 14, 15, Preceptor evaluation (A), End-of-semester review (A) 
MDSC 6830 Professional Field Experience -Surgery#1, Preceptor evaluation and H&P (A)#4, Preceptor Evaluation, H&P, SOAP, EOR (A&M)#6, Preceptor evaluation (A)#7, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#8, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#9, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P (A)#11, Preceptor evaluation (A)#12, Preceptor evaluation and EOR (A&M)#13, 14, 15, Preceptor evaluation (A), End-of-semester review (A)  
MDSC 6840 Professional Field Experience 鈥 Medical Psychiatry#1, Preceptor evaluation and H&P (A)#4, Preceptor Evaluation, H&P, SOAP, EOR (A&M)#6, Preceptor evaluation (A)#7, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#8, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#9, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P (A)#11, Preceptor evaluation (A)#12, Preceptor evaluation and EOR (A&M)#13, 14, 15, Preceptor evaluation (A), End-of-semester review (A)  
MDSC 6850 Professional Field Experience 鈥 Emergency Medicine#1, Preceptor evaluation and H&P (A)#4, Preceptor Evaluation, H&P, SOAP, EOR (A&M)#6, Preceptor evaluation (A)#7, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#8, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#9, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P (A)#11, Preceptor evaluation (A)#12, Preceptor evaluation and EOR (A&M)#13, 14, 15, Preceptor evaluation (A), End-of-semester review (A)  
MDSC 6860 Professional Field Experience 鈥 Family Medicine#1, Preceptor evaluation and H&P (A)#2, Preceptor evaluation and H&P (A)#3, Preceptor evaluation, H&P, and SOAP (A)#4, Preceptor Evaluation, H&P, SOAP, EOR (A&M)#6, Preceptor evaluation (A)#7, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#8, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#9, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P (A)#11, Preceptor evaluation (A) , End-of-semester review (A)#12, Preceptor evaluation (A) and EOR (M)#13, 14, 15, Preceptor evaluation (A), End-of-semester review (A)
MDSC 6870 Professional Field Experience 鈥 Internal Medicine#1, Preceptor evaluation and H&P (A)#2, Preceptor evaluation and H&P (A)#4, Preceptor Evaluation, H&P, SOAP, EOR (A&M)#6, Preceptor evaluation (A)#7, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#8, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P, EOR (A)#9, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P (A)#12, Preceptor evaluation and EOR (A&M)#13, 14, 15, Preceptor evaluation (A), End-of-semester review (A)  
MDSC 6880 Professional Field Experience 鈥 Elective I#1, Preceptor evaluation and H&P (A)#4, Preceptor Evaluation, H&P, SOAP (A)#6, Preceptor evaluation (A)#7, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P (A)#8, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P (A)#9, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P (A)#11, Preceptor evaluation (A)#12, Preceptor evaluation  (A)#13, 14, 15, Preceptor evaluation (A), End-of-semester review (A)  
MDSC 6890 Professional Field Experience 鈥 Elective II#1, Preceptor evaluation and H&P (A)#4, Preceptor Evaluation, H&P, SOAP (A)#6, Preceptor evaluation (A)#7, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P (A)#8, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P (A)#9, Preceptor evaluation, SOAP, H&P (A)#11, Preceptor evaluation (A)#12, Preceptor evaluation (A)#13, 14, 15, Preceptor evaluation (A), End-of-semester review (A)  
MDSC 6910: Clinical Practice I#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)          
MDSC 6920: Clinical Practice II#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)          
MDSC 6930: Clinical Practice III#1, Summative evaluation (M)#4, Summative Exam (M)#6, Summative evaluation (M)#7, Summative Evaluation (M)#8, Summative evaluation (M)#12, Summative evaluation (M)#13, 14, 15, Summative evaluation (M), End-of-semester review (A)    
MDSC 7100: Research Project/Professional Experience#13, #14, #15, End-of-semester review (A)          

色色啦 Michigan University Physician Assistant Program Competencies

Includes competency-specific learning outcomes expected to be achieved at the time of graduation

The PA profession defines specific knowledge, skills, attitudes, and educational experiences requisite for physician assistants to acquire in order to demonstrate specific professional competencies. These professional competencies include the effective and appropriate application of medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, clinical reasoning and problem solving, and clinical and technical skills. 色色啦 Michigan University Physician Assistant Program has adopted nationally recognized PA professional competencies with modifications that articulate what the student will develop and advance during PA school, demonstrating competency at the time of program completion.

Competencies

Medical Knowledge

Medical knowledge includes the synthesis of pathophysiology, patient presentation, differential diagnosis, patient management, medical and surgical principles, health promotion, and disease prevention.  Physician assistants must demonstrate core knowledge about established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care.  In addition, physician assistants are expected to demonstrate an investigative and analytic thinking approach to clinical situations.  Physician assistants are expected to understand, evaluate, and apply the following to clinical scenarios:

  1. Understand etiologies, risk factors, underlying pathological process, and epidemiology for medical conditions
  2. Identify signs and symptoms of medical conditions
  3. Manage general medical and surgical conditions to include understanding the indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions and adverse reactions of pharmacologic agents and other relevant treatment modalities
  4. Identify the appropriate site of care for presenting conditions, including identifying emergent/urgent cases and those requiring referral or admission
  5. Identify appropriate interventions for prevention of medical conditions
  6. Identify the appropriate methods to detect medical conditions in an asymptomatic individual
  7. Differentiate between the normal and the abnormal in anatomic, physiological, laboratory findings and other diagnostic data
  8. Provide appropriate care to patients with acute and chronic conditions

Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving (Patient Care)

Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving includes patient- and setting-specific assessment, evaluation, and management. Physician assistants must demonstrate care that is effective, safe, high quality, and equitable. Physician assistants are expected to:

  1. Gather essential and accurate information about their patients including, medical history, physical examination, diagnostic modalities to identify abnormal findings.
  2. Formulate a comprehensive differential diagnoses and problem list, allowing for a diagnosis and treatment plan to be developed in a cost-effective manner
  3. Develop a treatment plan that includes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapeutic options based on patient information and preferences, up-to-date scientific evidence, and clinical judgment
  4. Provide appropriate medical care in emergent, acute, chronic, rehabilitative, palliative, and end-of-life settings
  5. Develop and carry out patient management plans
  6. Assess patient outcomes to evaluate the accuracy of diagnoses, the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, patient compliance, and other factors that potentially impact patient care
  7. Provide health care services and education aimed at preventing health problems or maintaining health

Professionalism

Professionalism is the expression of positive values and ideals as care is delivered.  Foremost, it involves prioritizing the interests of those being served above one鈥檚 own.  Physician assistants must acknowledge their professional and personal limitations.  Professionalism also requires that PAs practice without impairment from substance abuse, cognitive deficiency or mental illness. Physician assistants must demonstrate a high level of responsibility, ethical practice, sensitivity to a diverse patient population, and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.  Physician assistants are expected to demonstrate:

  1. Understanding of legal and regulatory requirements, as well as the appropriate role of the physician assistant
  2. Professional relationships with physicians and other health care providers
  3. Respect, compassion, and integrity
  4. Responsiveness to the needs of patients and society
  5. Accountability to patients, society, and the profession
  6. Commitment to excellence and on-going professional development
  7. Commitment to ethical principles pertaining to provision or withholding of clinical care, confidentiality of patient information, informed consent, and business practices
  8. Sensitivity and responsiveness to patients鈥 culture, age, gender, and disabilities
  9. Self-reflection, critical curiosity and initiative
  10. Act within the AAPA鈥檚 Physician Assistant 鈥淐ode of Ethics of the PA Profession鈥

Clinical and Technical Skills

There are certain clinical and technical skills physician assistants possess to provide quality patient care. Physician assistants must utilize technologies and other resources to effectively search, interpret, and appraise the medical literature for answers to clinical questions and evidence-based practices, and integrate and apply newly acquired knowledge into patient care.  Physician assistants are expected to:

  1. Elicit an appropriate problem focused history
  2. Perform a problem focused physical exam
  3. Perform a complete physical exam with consideration given to age appropriate guidelines 
  4. Present relevant finding of history and physical exam to other health care team members
  5. Select and interpret appropriate diagnostic or lab studies
  6. Safely perform common medical procedures related to specialty of medical practice 
  7. Document all stages of patient care from admission through discharge
  8. Demonstrate proper sterile technique
  9. Develop a differential diagnosis based on patient encounter/complaint
  10. Write appropriate prescription for patient encounter, including weight appropriate dose, route and instructions
  11. Provide patient education and counseling when appropriate
  12. Identify when patient referral is warranted
  13. Effectively utilize both electronic and non-digital medical records to document findings, access clinical information, write prescriptions and orders, and make referrals

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Interpersonal and communication skills encompass the verbal, nonverbal, written, and electronic exchange of information.  Physician assistants must demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange with patients, patients鈥 families, physicians, professional associates, and other individuals within the health care system. Physician assistants are expected to:

  1. Create and sustain a therapeutic and ethically sound relationship with patients
  2. Use effective listening, nonverbal, explanatory, questioning, and writing skills to elicit and provide information
  3. Appropriately adapt communication style and messages to the context of the individual patient interaction
  4. Work effectively with physicians and other health care professionals as a member or leader of a health care team or other professional group
  5. Apply an understanding of human behavior
  6. Demonstrate emotional resilience and stability, adaptability, flexibility and tolerance of ambiguity and anxiety
  7. Accurately and adequately document and record information regarding the care process for medical, legal, quality and financial purposes
  8. Work effectively with physicians and other health care professionals to provide patient-centered care
  9. Demonstrate caring and respectful behaviors when interacting with patients and their families/significant others
  10. Counsel and educate patients and their families