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OBJECTIVES OF THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM
The Physician Assistant practice, as a medical profession for the 21st century, must be responsive to social needs and demands, as well as keeping pace with changing technology. In response to this challenge, the faculty of the PA Program emphasizes ongoing review and adaptation of educational techniques to meet the health care needs of society for today and tomorrow.
The curriculum of the program is designed to instill a caring and competent attitude of a health care professional. Principles stressed to achieve this goal include development of a strong foundation in the basic sciences relevant to the practice of clinical medicine, early exposure to patients in a clinical setting, an emphasis on active student centered learning, and the use of technology in both classroom and clinical settings. Through these principles students learn to take on progressive responsibility for patient care commensurate with their level of training. Using a competency-based curriculum, student progress is tracked and assessed to ensure that graduates are ready for clinical practice.
Student progress toward these competencies is carefully monitored to determine that the fundamental knowledge of the basic sciences in relation to career goals in medicine is achieved. The first year of the program places emphasis on the basic sciences. The second year of the program emphasizes clinical training with repeated reinforcement of theme throughout the educational process. Physician assistant and physician mentors in both inpatient and outpatient settings provide valuable guidance. Through this training program, students will attain established competencies related to the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values of the physician assistant.
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Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession
MISSION
To provide a scholarly environment in which students from diverse backgrounds receive the requisite knowledge and skills to equip them to deliver high-quality, culturally sensitive, and compassionate healthcare, in collaboration with physicians in an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
VISION
To achieve national prominence for excellence in developing innovative educational strategies in order to produce high-achieving graduates, who serve their communities as professional evidence based, patient-centered health care providers[CL1] .
VALUES
High Standards - In upholding the highest standards, we will:
- Demonstrate ethical leadership by example.
- Conduct ourselves with integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest.
- Hold our work to the highest academic standards.
Respect for Individuals - In valuing respect for individuals, we pledge to:
- Treat others with respect and dignity, honoring individual differences.
- Promote open communication and listen proactively.
- Create collegial environment based on loyalty to our co-workers.
Advancing Knowledge - In expressing our passion for learning, we encourage:
- Exploration of new ideas in our teaching and research.
- The courage to meet challenges and assume risk.
- Diverse learning opportunities where creativity thrives.
- Interdisciplinary teamwork.
- Personal Development and Leadership - Recognizing that exceptional quality begins with people, we create:
- A culture of personal development and professional fulfillment.
- A workplace where expectations are matched by our reward system.
- An atmosphere where people value the balance between work and family.
- A mentor-rich culture where faculty, staff and students can enhance their leadership skills.
- Commitment to Health - Supporting our fundamental belief in the PA/patient relationship, we are committed to
- The highest quality medical care to our patients.
Training the next generation of Physician Assistants to be capable and compassionate.
Promoting good health and well-being in response to the needs of our community.
- Our community partners who help us achieve excellence in all that we do.
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