MD Competencies and Subcompetencies for Graduation
Competencies, Subcompetencies and Milestones
Competency Domain 1. Patient Care
Provide patient-centered care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the promotion of health and treatment of health problems
Competency Domain 2. Knowledge for Practice
Demonstrate knowledge of and critical thinking about established and evolving biomedical, clinical, and health systems sciences, as well as health humanities, and apply this knowledge to patient care.
Competency Domain 3. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
Demonstrate the ability to investigate and evaluate one’s care of patients, to appraise and assimilate evidence and emerging research, and to improve patient care through a practice of being reflective and engaging in life-long learning.
Competency Domain 4. Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication skills that show respect for and result in effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and health professionals.
Competency Domain 5. Professional Behaviors
Demonstrate professional behavior with patients and families, teams, health systems, and society.
Competency Domain 6. Systems-Based Practice
Demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care and public health, as well as the ability to call effectively on other resources in the system to provide optimal health care.
Competency Domain 7. Health Humanities
Approach patients as whole persons, demonstrating compassion, humility, and respect.
Note: The Penn State College of Medicine competencies/subcompetencies and milestones were informed by the ACGME Domains of Competence, Physician Competency Domains, ACGME Harmonized Milestones, AAMC Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs), AAMC Core Competency for Entering Medical Students, and the Foundational Competencies for Undergraduate Medical Education.
View Medical Student Competencies/Subcompetencies and Milestones in the policy portal (ePass login required).
Adapted From
Obeso V, Brown D, Aiyer M, Barron B, Bull J, Carter T, Emery M, Gillespie C, Hormann M, Hyderi A, Lupi C, Schwartz M, Uthman M, Vasilevskis EE, Yingling S, Phillipi C, eds.; for Core EPAs for Entering Residency Pilot Program. Toolkits for the 13 Core Entrustable Professional Activities for Entering Residency. Washington, DC: Association of American Medical Colleges; 2017.
Englander R, Cameron T, Ballard AJ, Dodge J, Bull J, Aschenbrener CA. Toward a common taxonomy of competency domains for the health professions and competencies for physicians. Acad Med. 2013; 88(8):1088-94.
Approval
Most recent review: CUMED reviewed and revised July 22, 2021
Original approval: CUMED, Oct. 26, 2015