The graduate of the Thomas Jefferson University Center City Physician Assistant Program is expected to have achieved the following competencies.

Medical Knowledge

• Describe the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis methods, and treatment of common disease processes
• Formulate a differential diagnosis and display critical thinking skills in the context of a clinical presentation.
• Detail certain diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and the indications thereof
• Outline the mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, side effects and interactions for common pharmacologic agents

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Accurately obtain and document a patient history and physical exam.
• Establish rapport and effectively convey medical information to patients.
• Recognize barriers and navigate challenging conversations with patients with compassion and sensitivity.

Person-centered Care

• Acquire a comprehensive or focused patient history and physical as indicated in the context of the clinical presentation.
• Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
• Integrate information from history, physical examination, socioeconomic and environmental factors and diagnostic data to develop patient care plans.
• To provide education across the continuum of wellness, prevention and management of health and disease.
• Understand professional limitations and provide appropriate referral and transition of care where necessary.

Interprofessional Collaboration

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with other health care professionals to provide high-quality, patient-centered care.
• Recognize when referral and collaboration is appropriate during a patient encounter/course.

Professionalism & Ethics

• Approach the practice of medicine consistently with integrity, compassion and respect for all patients, families and other health care professionals.
• Discuss and consistently adhere to the standards of care.
• Demonstrate a commitment to accountability and responsibility in providing patient care.

Practice-based Learning & Quality Improvement

• Solicit feedback and self-reflect to recognize and address knowledge deficiencies and practice limits.
• Utilize current technology and evidence-based principles in patient management.

Society & Population Health

• Recognize and navigate the factors that affect patient and population wellness including but not limited to social, economic and environmental determinants of health.