Curriculum

The attributes we seek for graduates

The course is thematic rather than discipline based with the teaching methods chosen to enhance self directed learning.

Medical Sciences

1. An understanding of normal and abnormal human structure, function and behaviour for the diagnosis, management and prevention of health problems.
2. An ability to analyse clinical and diagnostic data and published work to determine their use in the management and prevention of health problems.
3. Participation in the generation, interpretation, implementation and dissemination of significant advances in medical knowledge.
4. An understanding of the nature of scientific investigation, the generation of scientific knowledge and the continuing nature of all scientific developments.
5. An understanding of the limitations of scientific knowledge in relation to the total spectrum of human disease and suffering.
6. An appreciation of the complex influence of technology on medicine.

Clinical Skills

1. An understanding of the therapeutic nature of the patient-doctor relationship and the impact on that relationship of the individual characteristics of both patient and doctor.
2. The ability to listen and to identify concerns of patients, families and carers and to respond to those concerns using whatever means are necessary for effective communication.
3. The ability to accurately and sensitively elicit and interpret clinical symptoms and signs and to use this information to guide further investigations.
4. The ability to perform certain basic clinical procedures, particularly those which are commonly or vital in life-threatening situations.
5. An understanding of the role of evidence-based medicine in their daily practice, whether this be with individual patients, populations or both.
6. Appropriate skills in record taking, organisation and management of information and the use of information technology.
7. A commitment to enhance patient safety and continuously improve the quality of medical care.
8. Ethical behaviour in meeting the needs of patient and families, concern for confidentiality, respect for individual autonomy, and facilitating patients and their families to make informed decisions in relation to their medical care.

Population Health

An understanding of:

1. The factors that influence differences and changes in health status between and within populations.
2. The interplay between social, economic, environmental and genetic influences on health, and their respective relevance to different levels and strategies of prevention.
3. The roles in disease prevention and alleviation, within a population setting, of public policy, health education, screening and clinical treatment.
4. How medical practice reflects, and engages with the broader social, cultural and political context; at local, national and international levels.
5. The importance of the systemic evaluation of health-care delivery modalities, taking account of local community needs and characteristics and seeking effective and equitable outcomes.
6. The tension that can arise between the medical practitioner's responsibility for the individual patient and the health needs of the community at large.

Professionalism and Leadership

1. Respect for the inherent dignity of every human being, with an appreciation of the diversity of human background and cultural values.
2. A commitment to compassionate, professional behaviour in accordance with conscience, medical ethics, law and human rights.
3. The ability to make decisions in circumstances of uncertainty and the capacity to make and justify rational and sensitive decisions based on best available evidence.
4. An understanding of a doctor's roles in relation to relief of suffering and disease.
5. The ability to recognise and harmonise one's own physical and emotional needs and responses to stress and openness to assistance in times of personal need.
6. A commitment to lifelong learning and teaching and continuous improvement toward a standard of excellence.
7. An understanding of professionalism, teamwork, collegiality and the regulatory framework that supports their practice.