School of Medicine Technical, Non-Academic Standards

Candidates must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in experiments of science, including but not limited to such things as dissection of cadavers; examination of specimens in anatomy, pathology, and neuroanatomy laboratories; and microscopic study of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states.  Candidates must be able to accurately observe patients and assess findings.  They must be able to obtain a medical history and perform a complete physical examination in order to integrate findings based on these observations and to develop an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, colleagues, and all members of the health care team. They must be able to obtain a medical history, interpret all aspects of communication, and establish therapeutic relationships with patients.  Candidates must be able to record information accurately, maintaining comprehensive and timely medical records, and communicate effectively in English with other health care professionals in a variety of patient settings.

Candidates must possess the capacity to perform all medical, diagnostic, and surgical procedures considered essential for the area of practice, including physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers. They must be able to respond to emergent or urgent situations in a timely manner and provide general and emergency care. They must adhere to universal precaution measures and meet safety standards applicable to inpatient and outpatient settings and other clinical activities.

Candidates must have sufficient cognitive (mental) abilities and effective learning techniques to assimilate the detailed and complex information presented in the curriculum. They must be able to learn through a variety of modalities, including, but not limited to, classroom instruction; small group, team and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; use of computer technology; medical simulation; clinical encounters; coaching; and personal reflection. 

Candidates must be able to memorize, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and communicate their knowledge and reasoning. They must recognize and draw conclusions about three-dimensional spatial relationships and logical sequential relationships among events. They must be able to formulate and test hypotheses consistent with the scientific method that enable effective and timely problem solving in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in a variety of clinical modalities.  They must be able to make timely, prudent, informed, and defensible decisions in the best interests of patients.

Candidates must demonstrate the maturity and emotional stability required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, which includes, but is not limited to, accepting responsibility for learning, exercising good judgment, and promptly completing all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients. Candidates must be able to work effectively, respectfully and professionally as part of the healthcare team, and to interact with patients, their families, and health care personnel in a courteous, professional, and respectful manner. They must possess the physical and emotional skills to function in a competent and professional manner in the healthcare setting, meet the work hour needs associated with patient care, function effectively under stress, and display flexibility and adaptability to changing environments. They must be capable of regular, reliable, and punctual attendance for classes and their clinical responsibilities.

Candidates must be able to contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments, accept formative feedback from others, and take personal responsibility for making appropriate positive changes. It is expected that minimum accommodation will be requested with regard to this set of standards.

Candidates are expected to understand the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine and function within the law and ethical standards of the medical profession. They must meet the legal standards to be licensed to practice as a PA in the State of California and adhere to the Stanford University Honor Code.  They must maintain and demonstrate ethical and moral behavior commensurate with the role of a PA in all interactions. As such, candidates for admission must acknowledge and provide written explanation of any felony offense or disciplinary action taken against them prior to matriculation in the School of Medicine. In addition, should the student be convicted of any felony offense while in PA school, they agree to immediately notify the Associate Dean for PA Education. Failure to disclose prior or new offenses can lead to disciplinary action by the School of Medicine that may include dismissal.

Disability-Related Accommodations

The MSPA Program is in full compliance with state and federal laws and regulations (including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended), and California law (Civil Code 51 and 54).

Disability-related accommodations requests are reviewed individually, on a case-by-case basis, with a complete and careful consideration of all the skills, attitudes, and attributes of each candidate to determine whether there are any reasonable accommodations or available options that would permit the candidate to satisfy the standards. For more information on disability-related accommodations, please refer to Handbook Section 3.5, Student Resources: Accommodations and Support.

As outlined in this policy, admission and promotion at the School of Medicine is conditional on the candidate’s ability to satisfy the technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Students requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Resources to request accommodations. The Director of Disability Resources will engage in a confidential, collaborative, and interactive process with the student and the School of Medicine leadership to determine reasonable accommodations. Given the clinical nature of medical education, additional time may be needed to implement accommodations. Timely disclosure and requests by students are essential and encouraged as accommodations are not applied retroactively. The School of Medicine reserves the right to request new or additional information in support of requests.

Students will be required to re-attest to meeting the technical standards upon entry to clerkships. Should a candidate have or develop a condition that may result in a need for accommodations, an evaluation with the Office of Disability Resources may be necessary. As in initial assessments at the time of admission, a complete and careful reconsideration of all the skills, attitudes and attributes of each candidate will be performed. This includes an assessment of their willingness, desire, and ability to complete the medical curriculum and fulfill all requirements for medical licensure. We know that students with varied types of disabilities can become successful medical professionals.

The abilities and characteristics above are defined as technical standards, which, in conjunction with academic standards, are requirements for promotion, and graduation. Although these standards serve to delineate the necessary physical and mental abilities of all candidates, they are not intended to discourage any candidate for whom reasonable accommodation will allow the fulfillment of the complete curriculum.