SOM Mission Statement and Competencies
Adopted by SOM Faculty Senate May 25, 2004
Mission Statement
The primary goal of the School of Medicine at Stony Brook University is to educate caring and skilled physicians who are well-prepared to enter graduate and specialty training programs. Graduates understand, value and apply the scientific method to the solution of clinical problems. They integrate clinical, biomedical and behavioral knowledge to promote the health and well-being of patients and communities. They value lifelong learning and locate, evaluate critically and integrate new scientific and clinical findings that advance the practice of medicine. They provide highly competent and compassionate, patient-centered care while demonstrating the highest level of professionalism and sensitivity to the diverse personal and cultural contexts in which medical care is delivered. These goals are also embraced by our graduate and specialty training programs that are designed to educate medical specialists and investigators in the biomedical and clinical sciences to be well-prepared to advance the frontiers of research, clinical practice and education.
Competencies
Graduates establish the rapport necessary to sustain effective personal and professional relationships. They actively and empathically listen to patients, families, health-care team members, professional colleagues and the wider community. They communicate effectively with these constituencies verbally and in writing. They respect the personal values and the range of cultural, social and economic backgrounds among those they serve.
Graduates demonstrate an understanding of the ethical dimension of medical practice. They are able to identify alternatives in difficult ethical dilemmas, analyze the conflicting considerations and effectively carry out a chosen course of action. They appreciate their obligations to patients, the profession and society. They exhibit altruism, fidelity, respect, compassion, honor, integrity, humility, and a commitment to excellence.
Graduates approach the practice of medicine with an awareness of their personal strengths, limitations and vulnerabilities. They nurture their own well-being and balance the demands of professional and personal life. They actively seek help and advice when needed, develop proper coping strategies, and respond to valid criticism.
Graduates acquire, integrate and utilize foundational knowledge in the biomedical, clinical, social and behavioral sciences and humanities relevant to the practice of medicine. They understand, value, and apply the scientific method and emerging scientific findings to the solution of clinical problems and, when appropriate, participate in the generation of new knowledge.
Graduates are proficient in history-taking and examination skills across a wide spectrum of patient care encounters. Graduates correctly select and proficiently perform routine clinical procedures, properly utilize ancillary services and accurately interpret results.
In collaboration with individuals, families, communities and the health care team, graduates help prevent, diagnose, and manage health problems. Graduates develop problem lists, formulate differential diagnoses, establish outcome goals and generate treatment plans. Graduates select and carry out additional investigations, choose and implement interventions with consultation and referral as needed. Graduates monitor clinical progress and adjust therapy and diagnosis accordingly.
Graduates recognize clinical, scientific and social problems. Graduates employ rational decision-making processes in combination with other skills. They include patients in these processes and address their needs using the best evidence available.
Graduates are committed to independent lifelong learning. They use critical thinking skills to evaluate and interpret new clinical and scientific information. They keep abreast of advances in medical knowledge and integrate these into patient care activities. They foster their professional growth through continuing education, use of evolving technologies and medical information resources, and participation in research. Graduates actively set clear personal and professional learning goals, pursue them, and apply the knowledge gained to the practice of their profession.
Graduates provide patient care and education that reflects an awareness of the cultural, psychological, sociologic, familial, economic, environmental, legal, political and spiritual needs and beliefs of patients. They utilize the principles of public health in assessing the needs of their patients and communities. Graduates use their knowledge, skills and attitudes in this domain to better identify and respond to the needs of individuals and their communities.
Graduates respond to the larger context and system of healthcare. They have the ability to recognize and utilize the resources needed to provide optimal and safe patient care. Graduates demonstrate an understanding of different medical practice models and delivery systems. They demonstrate cost-effective care and efficient resource allocation while providing quality care. They audit and evaluate their own practice patterns.