All students receiving the medical doctorate (MD) degree from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine must demonstrate attainment of the following core competencies:

A. CORE COMPETENCY: UC Irvine graduates will be knowledgeable.

OBJECTIVES: By the time of graduation, students will have demonstrated appropriate, relevant and sufficient knowledge in these broad areas:

1. Knowledge of the structure and function of the major organ systems, including the molecular, biochemical and cellular mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis;
2. Knowledge of the pathogenesis of diseases, interventions for effective treatment, and mechanisms of health maintenance to prevent disease;
3. Knowledge of basic clinical skills required to meet the skills objectives, including interviewing, physical diagnosis, communication and clinical reasoning processes;
4. Knowledge of population health, epidemiology principles and the scientific basis of research methods relevant to healthcare;
5. Knowledge of medical practice, including health care economics and health systems impacting delivery and quality of patient care.

B. CORE COMPETENCY: UC Irvine graduates will be skillful.

OBJECTIVES: By the time of graduation, UC Irvine students will demonstrate, at the appropriate level:

1. The ability to competently conduct a medical interview and counseling to take into account patient health beliefs, patient agenda and the need for comprehensive medical and psychosocial assessment;
2. The ability to competently perform a complete and organ-system-specific examination including a mental health status examination;
3. The ability to articulate a cogent, accurate assessment and plan, and problem list, using diagnostic clinical reasoning skills in all the major disciplines;
4. The ability to search the medical literature, including electronic databases, and to locate and interpret up-to-date evidence to optimize patient care;
5. The ability to practice effective preventive medicine by identifying, addressing and advocating for strategies to maintain health and well-being, to identify and treat disease early where appropriate and to advise on lifestyle practices;
6. The ability to function effectively within the context of complexity and uncertainty in medical care.

C. CORE COMPETENCY: UC Irvine graduates will be altruistic, demonstrating professionalism and commitment.

OBJECTIVES: UC Irvine graduates will demonstrate appropriate attitudes and behaviors in these domains:

1. Honesty and integrity reflecting the standards of the profession, in interacting with colleagues, patients, families and professional organizations;
2. Professional behaviors reflecting compassion and respect for patient privacy, altruism and a commitment to comprehensive, holistic medical care;
3. Sensitivity and awareness of diverse cultures, health beliefs and social factors impacting patient health and illness;
4. The commitment to seek knowledge and skills to better serve the needs of the underserved in their communities.

D. CORE COMPETENCY: UC Irvine graduates will be dutiful.

OBJECTIVES: By the time of graduation, students will show:

1. A commitment to lifelong learning and independently seeking new knowledge and skills in their own recognized areas of learning deficit;
2. A commitment to patient care and to the well-being of patients and colleagues;
3. A commitment to serve our community;
4. A commitment to personal well-being and the well-being of family and friends.

Rev. 07/08/15