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USA PA Program Competencies

A.  Medical Knowledge: Demonstrate knowledge and application of evidence-based practices related to biologic and clinical sciences.

1. Apply principles of biologic and clinical sciences to patient care.
2. Identify etiology, risk factors, and epidemiology to create differential diagnoses. 
3. Select diagnostic studies to guide therapeutic decision making.
4. Differentiate therapeutic and non-therapeutic interventions to include patient education and preventative guidance in caring for patients with acute, chronic, and emergent disease states.

B.  Clinical and Technical Skills: Demonstrate proficiency in clinical techniques and procedural skills.

1. Obtain and document essential information regarding patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic data.
2. Interpret laboratory and radiological data and apply to patients with acute, chronic, and emergent disease states.
3. Perform medical and diagnostic procedures expected of an entry-level PA in primary care practice.
4. Infer patient preferences, evidence-based practice, and clinical expertise to create treatment plans including counseling, education, referral to other disciplines, follow-up, and preventative maintenance. 

C.  Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Collaborate as a member of an interprofessional team to coordinate patient care 

1. Communicate effectively and respectfully to the healthcare team, patient, and families.
2. Demonstrate effective ability in establishing therapeutic alliance with patients that reflects the social circumstances, finances, and culture.
3. Document legible clinical encounter.
4. Demonstrate ability to collaborate with other specialties within the healthcare team. 

D.  Professionalism: Demonstrate professional behavior and respect for the dignity and privacy of patients

1. Exhibit compassionate care and maintain honesty, respect, integrity, and maturity.
2. Maintain confidentiality and ethical provider practices which meet the regulatory standards for physician assistants in clinical practice.
3. Demonstrates the practice of culturally responsive care to diverse populations. 
4. Instill responsible management to avoid burnout and mitigate stress recognizing personal limitations and accepting constructive feedback.

E.  Community Consciousness and Societal Health: Demonstrate cultural and social awareness to effectively engage resources within the system to improve patient outcomes. 

1. Develop individualized care plans by integrating knowledge of cultural, societal, environmental, economical, and population health impacts into medical decision making. 
2. Demonstrate understanding of collaborative nature of profession.

F.  Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving: Utilize self-evaluation skills to proactively improve medical practice and knowledge.

1. Incorporate evidence-based medical practice by analyzing and synthesizing peer-reviewed information to investigate clinical queries.
2. Develop clinical decisions utilizing evidence-based research and self-reflection to address gaps in medical knowledge and adjust behaviors that can negatively impact patient care.