Welcome to the University of Colorado School of Medicine on the Anschutz Medical Campus. A Top Ten Medical School, our departments, centers and institutes work with the University of Colorado Hospital, The Children's Hospital and Barbara Davis Center.

 

Competencies

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Knowledge Know and use the language of physical examination structures, techniques and findings. Relate the physical examination to normal anatomy and physiology. Relate the physical examination to abnormal anatomy and pathophysiology. Know variations in physical exam techniques for use with children and the elderly. Know and use the language of medical interviewing and communications techniques, focusing on the techniques of open-ended inquiry and an empathic, humanistic approach. State the goals of the doctor-patient encounter: establishing rapport, data acquisition, educating and enlisting the patient. Identify the key components of the patient database gathered in the encounter: patient identification, chief complaint, history of present illness, active medical problems, past medical history, medications, allergies, habits and hazards, social history, family history, review of systems, and physical exam findings. Identify the key components of the history and physical write-up, SOAP note and oral presentation. Skills Perform basic physical examination techniques on adults and children in the following areas: General Assessment (Vital Signs) Extremities and Back Cardiovascular Chest and Lungs Abdomen Head and Neck Skin, Hair and Nails Eyes Neurologic and Mental Status Perform sensitive/invasive physical examination techniques on adults in the following areas: Gynecologic and Breast Urologic and Prostate Recognize some abnormal physical exam findings. Obtain an accurate medical history that covers all essential aspects of the patient data base, including issues related to age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Practice basic open-ended inquiry. Practice building relationships with patients through empathy, eliciting their perspective, and reflective listening. Practice a relationship-centered approach to the encounter, negotiating and balancing patient-centered and doctor-centered agendas. Practice explaining and planning communication skills such as assessing patient knowledge, and contracting for next steps to collaborate with patients in behavior modification. Communicate effectively, using a relationship centered approach, in difficult clinical encounters. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with patients, patients’ families, colleagues, and others with whom physicians must exchange information in carrying out their responsibilities. Practice writing a full history and physical, SOAP notes and performing oral presentations. Reason deductively in solving clinical problems. Behaviors Practice compassionate treatment of patients, and respect for their privacy and dignity. Uphold and promote the ideals of medical professionalism in all interactions with patients, colleagues, staff and faculty. Understand and respect the roles of other health care professionals and the need to collaborate with others in caring for individual patients and in promoting the health of defined populations. Recognize and accept limitations in one’s knowledge and clinical skills, and a commitment to continuously improve one’s knowledge and ability. Recognize the importance of cultural, ethnic, racial and religious diversity and its impact on society, health care delivery, and the workplace.