Medical Program Mission

The mission of St. George's University Doctor of Medicine degree program is to provide an international, culturally diverse environment in which students learn the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for postgraduate training in the health profession, while being inspired to develop compassion, curiosity, tolerance and  commitment to patients and society, dedication to life-long learning and an understanding of the vital role of research in healthcare.

FOUR YEAR OUTCOME OBJECTIVES

Medical Knowledge

• Apply the multidisciplinary body of basic sciences to clinical analysis and problem solving using:
  • The knowledge of normal structure, function, physiology and metabolism at the levels of the whole body, organ systems, cells, organelles and specific biomolecules including embryology, growth and development.
  • The principles of normal homeostasis including molecular and cellular mechanisms.
  • The etiology, pathogenesis, structural and molecular alterations   as they relate to the signs, symptoms, laboratory results, imaging investigations and causes of common and important diseases conditions.
• Incorporate the impact of factors including psychological, cultural, environmental, genetic, nutritional, social, economic, religious and developmental on health and disease of patients as well as their impact on families and caregivers.
• Utilize the important pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies available for the prevention and treatment of disease based on cellular and molecular mechanisms of action and clinical effects. Identify and explain factors that govern therapeutic interventions such as clinical and legal risks, benefits, cost assessments, age and gender.
• Apply the theories and principles that govern ethical decision making in the management of patients.
• Evaluate and apply clinical and translational research to the care of patient populations.

Clinical Skills

• Communicate effectively with patients, their families and members of the health care team.
• Obtain a comprehensive and/or focused medical history on patients of all categories.
• Perform physical and mental status examinations on patients of all categories appropriate to the patient’s condition.
• Document pertinent patient health information in a concise, complete and responsible way.
• Select appropriate investigations and interpret the results for common and important diseases and conditions.
• Recognize and communicate common and important abnormal clinical findings.
• Develop a problem list and differential diagnosis based on the history, physical findings and initial investigations.
• Apply effective problem solving strategies to patient care.
• Perform routine and basic medical procedures.
• Provide patient education with respect to health problems and maintenance.
• Identify individuals at risk for disease and select appropriate preventive measures.
• Recognize life threatening emergencies and initiate appropriate primary intervention.
• Outline the management plan for patients under the following categories of care: preventive, acute, chronic, emergency, end of life, continuing and rehabilitative.
• Continually reevaluate management plans based on the progress of the patient’s condition and appraisal of current scientific evidence and medical information.

Professional Attitude  

• Establish rapport and exhibit compassion for patients and families and respect their privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
• Demonstrate honesty, respect and integrity in interacting with patients and their families, colleagues, faculty and other members of the health care team.
• Be responsible in tasks dealing with patient care, faculty and colleagues including healthcare documentation.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to issues related to culture, race, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation and disability in the delivery of health care.
• Demonstrate a commitment to high professional and ethical standards.
• React appropriately to difficult situations involving conflicts, nonadherence and ethical dilemmas.
• Demonstrate a commitment to independent and life long learning including evaluating research in healthcare.
• Demonstrate the willingness to be an effective team member and team leader in the deliver of health care.
• Recognize one’s own limitations in knowledge, skills and attitudes and the need for asking for additional consultation.
• Participate in activities to improve the quality of medical education including evaluations of courses and clerkships.