Year 1 Competencies

The first year of MD Program curriculum at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison builds student knowledge and understanding of the biology of the normal human individual and at the same time begins to place this knowledge in the larger social context of medicine.

This creates a scientific foundation and broad perspective for students to build on as they expand their knowledge and clinical experience in subsequent years of medical training. 

At the completion of first year of the MD Program curriculum, the competent medical student will be able to:

1. Medical Knowledge

• Demonstrate mastery of basic science processes as they pertain to normal structure and function of the body at the molecular, cellular, organ and systems levels
• Recognize genetic mechanisms and the consequences of defects on an individual and population-based level
• Identify basic concepts in public health including epidemiology, biostatistics, prevention and the role of behavioral, psychosocial and cultural factors in health

2. Problem Solving and Clinical Skills (Patient Care)

• Perform a patient interview, elicit complete and focused medical histories in a patient-centered manner
• Perform basic physical exam skills
• Interpret medical literature and apply basic science principles to solve clinical case-based problems

3. Lifelong learning (Practice-Based Learning and Improvement)

• Recognize the importance of reflective practices
• Utilize tools for self-directed inquiry
• Self-assess strengths and limitations in knowledge, skills and attitudes

4. Systems-Based Practice

• Describe the impact of the health care system on patient health, including health care financing and other economic and organizational factors

5. Professionalism

• Demonstrate respect for others
• Exhibit timeliness, respect for self, appropriate communication, active participation, responsiveness to feedback, and responsibility for learning
• Recognize how medical ethics dilemmas arise and are addressed

6. Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Develop communication skills through oral presentations, interviewing and history-taking, small group discussion, and written work
• Identify one's own communication styles and the strengths and weaknesses of these preferences in order to develop skills for more effective communication