The overarching knowledge, skill and behavior competencies you are expected to achieve during the three years of the FDC are the following:

Know and use the language of physical examination techniques, findings and structures.

Know and use the language of medical interviewing and communications techniques, focusing on the techniques of open-ended inquiry and an empathic, humanistic approach.

State the goals of the doctor-patient encounter: establishing rapport, data acquisition, educating and enlisting the patient.

Identify the key components of the patient data base gathered in the encounter: patient identification, chief complaint, history of present illness, past medical history, medications, allergies, habits and hazards, social history, family history, review of systems, and physical exam findings.

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Obtain an accurate medical history that covers all essential aspects of the history, including issues related to age, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Practice basic open-ended inquiry: Invitation, Listening and Short Summaries (ILS)

Practice communicating empathy to your patients, identifying their ideas, values and feelings.

Practice alternating between a patient-centered (ILS) and doctor-centered interview process when appropriate.

Practice skills for enlisting patients in behavior modification.

Communicate with patients that present more challenging interview issues.

Reason deductively in solving clinical problems.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with patients, patients’ families, colleagues, and others with whom physicians must exchange information in carrying out their responsibilities.

Perform basic physical examination techniques on adults and children in the following:        

Vital Signs

 Extremities and Back

Chest and Lungs

Head and Neck

Neurologic

Mental Status

Cardiovascular

Eyes/Ears

Abdomen

Relate the physical examination to normal anatomy and physiology.

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Practice compassionate treatment of patients, and respect for their privacy and dignity.

Uphold and promote the ideals of medical professionalism, understanding it as the basis of medicine’s contract with society and recognizing the fundamental principles of primacy of patient welfare, patient autonomy and social justice.

Understand and respect the roles of other health care professionals and the need to collaborate with others in caring for individual patients and in promoting the health of defined populations.

Recognize and accept limitations in one’s knowledge and clinical skills, and a commitment to continuously improve one’s knowledge and ability.

Recognize the importance of cultural, ethnic, racial and religious diversity and its impact on society, health care delivery, and the workplace.

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