The following are the Stanford School of Medicine Master of Science in PA Studies program’s competencies. These competencies were developed based on the framework of the program’s mission and goals and informed by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)’s Core Competencies for New PA Graduates and the Competencies for the Physician Associate Profession, which were written collaboratively by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), the PA Education Association (PAEA), the National Commission on Certification of the Physician Assistant (NCCPA), and the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

The Stanford School of Medicine Master of Science in PA Studies program uses achievement of the following competencies as a guide for curriculum development and evaluation of the success of the program and its graduates. Upon completion of the Stanford School of Medicine Master of Science in PA Studies program, graduates are expected to achieve the following competencies:

1.     Medical Knowledge

a.   Identify underlying processes or pathways responsible for a specific condition or disease. 

b.   Recognize the associations of disease conditions and complications through the application of scientific concepts. 

c.   Recognize health disparities, including health risks and health-related behaviors that disproportionately affect certain individuals and groups. 

d.   Recognize risk factors for conditions amenable to prevention or detection. 

e.   Apply basic sciences (e.g., anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics) to the diagnosis and management of specific medical conditions. 

f.   Recognize normal and abnormal values for laboratory and diagnostic studies.

2.     Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving

a.   Demonstrate problem-solving skills that allow for prioritizing clinical interventions in emergent, acute, and chronic care situations.

b.   Demonstrate clinical reasoning skills that support the development of a differential diagnosis based upon historical information, physical examination findings, and diagnostic study findings.

c.   Select appropriate laboratory and diagnostic studies.

d.   Interpret the results of routine laboratory and diagnostic studies.

e.   Select a clinical intervention plan that is consistent with the working diagnosis.

f.    Utilize evidence-based medicine to guide clinical decision-making.

g.   Communicate accurate diagnostic findings and management strategies.

3.     Clinical and Technical Skills

a.   Demonstrate the clinical skills necessary to obtain a medical history and perform a physical examination.

b.   Demonstrate the ability to perform technical skills appropriate for entry into clinical practice.

4.     Interpersonal and Communication Skills

a.   Provide medical care that is respectful, considerate, and empathetic.

b.   Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills through appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication with patients.

c.   Determine appropriate counseling, as well as patient education.

5.     Health Care Finance

a.   Demonstrate the ability to accurately code and bill for a clinical procedure.

b.   Demonstrate the ability to account for a patient's insurance coverage and ability to pay, when making clinical decisions and counseling patients.

6.     Professional Behavior and Leadership

a.   Demonstrate professional behavior, including respect, integrity, and honesty.

b.   Recognize cultural beliefs related to health care.

c.   Recognize medical ethical issues and one’s role in addressing them.

d.   Demonstrate knowledge of effective strategies to navigate the unique legal and policy issues encountered by patient populations.

e.   Demonstrate the ability to adapt and respond effectively to a variety of professional challenges and dynamic situations.

f.    Demonstrate effective advocacy for patients and colleagues.