Graduation Requirements for the MD Degree

Student Physician Activities (SPAs)

The learning outcomes for the Emory University School of Medicine MD program are stated in terms of the tasks and responsibilities of a professional physician, called Student Physician Activities (SPA). This list of SPAs defines what EUSOM students will learn over the course of their medical school career and will be required to demonstrate prior to graduation.

• SPA P1 Fulfill the unique professional role of a physician in society
• SPA P2 Demonstrate trustworthiness to patients, colleagues, and other healthcare personnel
• SPA P3 Recognize and address ethical dilemmas
• SPA P4 Manage time
• SPA PC5 Take a patient-centered history (focused and complete)
• SPA PC6 Perform a physical examination (standard and "core and cluster") and recognize normal and abnormal findings
• SPA PC7 Prioritize a differential diagnosis based on clinical reasoning
• SPA PC8 Develop a patient care plan that applies best evidence to the care of individual patients
• SPA PC9 Execute technical procedures* at the specified level of performance
• SPA MK10 Demonstrate understanding of relevant scientific principles of medicine and explain their application to patient care
• SPA MK11 Contribute to generalizable medical knowledge
• SPA PL12 Use feedback to improve one's own practices
• SPA PL13 Identify personal limitations and seek assistance as needed
• SPA PL14 Formulate clinical questions and search the literature for evidence that enhances patient care
• SPA PL15 Use electronic medical records and medical informatics to care for patients
• SPA PL16 Teach peers and team members
• SPA IC17 Treat patients while understanding own biases
• SPA IC18 Communicate with patients and their support system regarding their care
• SPA IC19 Participate in difficult conversations with patients and their families
• SPA IC20 Document and present patient findings and treatment plans
• SPA SP21 Recognize, resist, and work to rectify the inequities in health and health care that reinforce systemic racism, discrimination, and bias
• SPA SP22 Serve the community
• SPA SP23 Contribute to healthcare quality and safety initiatives
• SPA SP24 Work collaboratively in interprofessional teams and with other healthcare professionals

* Graduation Technical Procedures List

• • 1. Adherence to universal precautions
    2. Putting on gloves and gowns using sterile technique
    3. Basic life support (as evidence by completion of a BLS course)
    4. Use of an automatic external defibrillator
    5. Drawing venous blood

Academic Requirements

The judgment of the faculty as to the fitness of a student to receive the MD degree is based not only upon scholastic achievement, but also upon demonstration of the attitudes and behaviors expected of a medical professional. Each student must be approved for graduation by the Dean and the School of Medicine Council of Chairs.

To be eligible to receive the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Emory University School of Medicine, students must:

• • 1. have attained satisfactory standing in all courses and clerkships required for the degree;
    2. have mastered the EUSOM SPAs and have successfully completed all the required activities and assessments related to the SPAs;
    3. have taken and successfully passed Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge of the USMLE;
    4. have completed all academic requirements of the MD degree within no more than six academic years from the date of matriculation.

Financial Obligations for Graduation

It is a requirement for graduation that all financial obligations to the University shall have been satisfied. Students with an unpaid balance on their student accounts may have a hold placed on their diploma and transcripts until the balance is paid in full.