Physician Assistant

University of Findlay Physician Assistant
Program-defined Competencies for Entry Level Practice​​

  1. ​​Medical Knowledge​​
    1. Evaluate diverse clinical situations by applying knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical medicine, patient presentation, differential diagnosis, patient management, surgical principles, and health promotion and disease prevention. 
    2. Apply medical knowledge and clinical reasoning to interpret information gathered from the history, physical examination and diagnostic procedures to formulate, develop, and implement appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic management plans for a diverse patient-centered population across the age span.

  2. Interpersonal Skills ​
    1. Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that facilitate the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, families, and other health professionals.
    2. Provide patient education and counseling through the effective use of appropriate communication techniques while demonstrating awareness of cultural diversity.
    3. Accurately and adequately document and record information regarding the care process for medical, legal, quality, and financial purposes.

  3. Clinical and Technical Skills​
    1. Provide care that is effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of wellness as a member of the health care team.
    2. Demonstrate caring and respectful behaviors when interacting with patients and their families to establish a therapeutic patient-provider relationship.
    3. Provide services and education aimed at preventing health problems and maintaining health.
    4. Establish rapport with team members, maintain appropriate boundaries in work and learning situations, relate well to students, faculty, and health care professionals in a collaborative environment.
    5. Competently perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures expected of the generalist physician assistant.

  4. Professional Behaviors ​
    1. Demonstrate professionalism by practicing in a competent, legal, and ethical manner as a physician assistant and as a member of the health care team, serving a population of patients of all ages in diverse environments.
    2. Demonstrate sensitivity and compassion toward patients in need, take time and effort to explain information to patients, listen empathetically to both the sick and the well patient acknowledging his/her concerns, show respect for patient’s confidentiality, and put the patient’s best interest first.
    3. Exhibit adherence to legal and regulatory requirements and ethical practices in relation to duty of care and inter-professional teamwork.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the signs, causes, and consequences of burnout in the health care setting and will apply strategies for personal wellness, resilience, and sustainable practice. 

  5. Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving ​
    1. Assess and improve delivery of patient care through appropriate use of learning resources, self-reflection, and commitment to lifelong learning.
    2. Locate, appraise, and integrate evidence from scientific studies related to patient health problems.
    3. Critically evaluate one’s own performance to identify strengths and develop plans to resolve weaknesses.
    4. Apply information technology to manage information, access on-line medical information, and facilitate lifelong learning.
    5. Appropriately address gender, cultural, cognitive, emotional, and other biases; gaps in medical knowledge; and physical limitations in oneself and others.

  6. Systems-Based Practice​
    1. Demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger system of health care to provide patient care that is of optimal value, and demonstrate an understanding of needs and priorities for cost-effective health care, resource allocation, and uncompromised quality of care.
    2. Effectively function within different types of medical practices and delivery systems.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of different types of payment systems in health care.
    4. Collaborate with supervising physician and other health care providers to promote a safe environment for the delivery of quality patient care.

  7. Cultural Humility ​
    1. Exercise cultural humility towards all patients regardless of disability status or special health care needs, ethnicity/race, gender identity, religion/spirituality, and/or sexual orientation.
    2. Demonstrate awareness of “self” in regards to biases and actions that may affect patient care.


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