Program Competencies

Program Competencies

Upon graduation, students from the USC PA Program will demonstrate the following core competencies, reflecting their readiness to provide high-quality, patient-centered care in diverse clinical settings.

1. Knowledge for Practice (KP) Demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care.
   • KP1: Integrate knowledge of normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diagnostic modalities in the development of differential diagnoses and treatment plans.
   • KP2: Apply evidence-based medicine to diagnose, treat, and manage common and complex medical conditions across the lifespan.
   • KP3: Discern among acute, chronic, and emergent disease states.
   • KP4: Be proficient in performing common medical, diagnostic, and surgical procedures and understand the indications, contraindications, and risks of each.

2. Interpersonal and Communication Skills (ICS): Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and health professionals.
   • ICS1: Establish therapeutic relationships that honor patient values, preferences, and goals for person-centered care.
   • ICS2: Document patient encounters clearly, accurately, and efficiently in the medical record.
   • ICS3: Demonstrate active listening skills and empathetic communication, particularly in challenging or emotionally sensitive situations.
   • ICS4: Provide appropriate patient education, ensuring comprehension, shared decision- making, and patient involvement in their care plans.

3. Person-centered Care (PCC): Provide person-centered care that includes patient- and setting-specific assessment, evaluation, and management      and health care that is evidence-based, supports patient safety, and advances health equity.
   • PCC1:  Perform comprehensive and focused histories and physical examinations, tailoring them to patient needs and clinical presentations.
   • PCC2: Initiate and recommend individualized health promotion and disease prevention measures.
   • PCC3: Provide care that is sensitive to the emotional, cultural, and socioeconomic aspects of the patient, the patient’s condition and the patient’s family.
   • PCC4: Counsel, educate, and  empower patients and their families to participate in their care and enable shared decision-making.

4. Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (IPCP): Demonstrate the ability to engage with a variety of other health care professionals in a manner that optimizes safe, effective, patient- and population-centered care.
   • IPCP1: Demonstrate the ability to coordinate care across the continuum, effectively collaborating with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.
   • IPCP2: Advocate for patients, ensuring that patients’ values and preferences guide all clinical decisions.

6. Professionalism and Ethics (PE): Demonstrate a commitment to practicing medicine in ethically and legally appropriate ways and emphasizing professional maturity and accountability for delivering safe and quality care to patients and populations.
   • PE1: Demonstrate ethical decisions while protecting patient rights, confidentiality, informed consent, and legal compliance.
   • PE2: Demonstrate integrity and accountability by owning actions, acknowledging errors, and maintaining patient and professional trust.
   • PE3: Engage in ongoing learning, reflection, and self-assessment to strengthen skills, knowledge, and ethical judgment.
   • PE4: Engage personal wellness and self-care practices that support resilience, effectiveness, and quality patient care.
7. Practice-Based Learning and Quality Improvement (PBLQI): Demonstrate the ability to learn and implement quality improvement practices by engaging in critical analysis of one’s own practice experience, the medical literature, and other information resources for the purposes of self-evaluation, lifelong-learning, and practice improvement.
   • PBLQI1: Engage in quality improvement initiatives and participate in peer review processes to enhance the effectiveness of healthcare delivery.
   • PBLQI2: Incorporate feedback from colleagues, preceptors, and patients to improve clinical performance and patient outcomes.
   • PBLQI3: Demonstrate currency with medical advances and research, utilizing appropriate clinical guidelines and resources.

7. Society and Population Health (SPH): Recognize and understand the influences of the ecosystem of person, family, population, environment, and policy on the health of patients and integrate knowledge of these determinants of health into patient care decisions.
   • SPH1: Understand the broader healthcare system, including its structure, financial models, and regulatory environment, and how these influence patient care and access.
   • SPH2: Advocate for quality patient care and optimal patient care systems, recognizing and addressing health inequities and disparities.
   • SPH3: Utilize cost-effective healthcare practices and advocate for resource stewardship without compromising the quality of care.
   • SPH4: Recognize and address the impact of social determinants of health on patient outcomes, adapting care plans as necessary.