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Faculty of Medicine: Contextualised Graduate Attributes

07/07/2004: This draft statement has been ratified for use by the faculty. 		back
 
Comments or suggestions?
Contact Vicki Langendyk, 9351 5680, vickil@dme.med.usyd.edu.au


Research and Inquiry. Graduates of the Faculty of Medicine will be able to create new knowledge and understanding through the process of research and inquiry.
  • Use the best available evidence on outcomes to prevent or cure disease, relieve symptoms or minimise disability
  • Participate in the generation, interpretation, application and dissemination of significant advances in medical knowledge
  • Recognise the limits to scientific knowledge and understanding, and the continuing nature of all scientific endeavours
  • The ability to elicit and interpret clinical symptoms and signs by interviewing and examining patients systematically and with sensitivity, and to use this information to guide further investigations
  • Evaluate the distribution of & risk factors for disease & injury & understand how to use disease & injury prevention practices in the care of individual patients & communities
  • The capacity to make rational and sensitive decisions based on the best available evidence, recognising the inevitability of decision-making in circumstances of uncertainty
  • Ongoing commitment to the advancement of learning within the medical community
  • Commitment to improving the quality and safety of healthcare

Information Literacy. Graduates of the Faculty of Medicine will be able to use information effectively in a range of contexts.
  • Apply an understanding of normal and abnormal human structure, function and behaviour to the diagnosis, management and prevention of health problems
  • Use the best available evidence on outcomes to prevent or cure disease, relieve symptoms or minimise disability
  • Analyse clinical data and published work to determine their validity and generalisability
  • The ability to elicit and interpret clinical symptoms and signs by interviewing and examining patients systematically and with sensitivity, and to use this information to guide further investigations
  • Make evidence-based, ethical and economically responsible decisions about the most appropriate management of health problems in individuals and in communities

Personal and Intellectual Autonomy. Graduates of the Faculty of Medicine will be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges.
  • Participate in the generation, interpretation, application and dissemination of significant advances in medical knowledge
  • The ability to perform important clinical procedures, particularly those vital in life-threatening situations
  • The ability to recognise and respond to personal physical, emotional and social needs

Ethical, Social and Professional Understanding. Graduates of the Faculty of Medicine will hold personal values and beliefs consistent with their role as responsible members of local, national, international and professional communities
  • 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
  • Ethical behaviour in meeting the needs of patients and families; concern for confidentiality and respect for individual autonomy, enabling patients and their families to make informed decisions in relation to their medical care
  • Make evidence-based, ethical and economically responsible decisions about the most appropriate management of health problems in individuals and in communities
  • Identify the economic, psychological, occupational & socio-cultural factors that contribute to the development and/or continuation of poor health & explain how it impacts on individuals & communities
  • Evaluate the economic, political, social and legal factors which determine the way that individuals and communities respond to health problems and describe how public and population health strategies are systematically planned & implemented
  • Commitment to maintaining professional standards and obligations
  • Commitment to empathic, ethical, professional behaviour

Communication. Graduates of the Faculty of Medicine will recognise and value communication as a tool for negotiating and creating new understanding, interacting with others, and furthering their own learning.
  • The ability to listen and to identify issues of concern to patients, families and carers and to respond to those concerns, using whatever means are necessary for effective communication
  • The ability to elicit and interpret clinical symptoms and signs by interviewing and examining patients systematically and with sensitivity, and to use this information to guide further investigations
  • Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team