Technical Standards
Technical Standards for Medical School Admission
Candidates for the M.D. degree must be able to fully perform the
essential functions in each of the following categories:
Observation, Communication, Motor, Intellectual and
Behavioral/Social. However, it is recognized that degrees of ability
vary widely between individuals. Individuals are encouraged to
discuss their disabilities with the FSU ADA Chair and the COM
Admissions Coordinator and consider technological and other
facilitating mechanisms needed in order to train and function
effectively as a physician. The Florida State University College of
Medicine is committed to enabling its students by any reasonable
means or accommodations to complete the course of study leading to
the medical degree.
- Observation. A candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and
experiments in the basic sciences, including but not limited to
physiologic and pharmacologic demonstrations in animals, evaluation
of microbiologic cultures and microscopic studies of microorganisms
and tissues in normal and pathologic states. A candidate must be
able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at
hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of
vision and somatic sensation. It is enhanced by the functional use
of the sense of smell.
- Communication. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively
and sensitively with patients. The focus of this communication is to
elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture
and perceive nonverbal communications. Communication includes not
only speech but also reading, writing and computer literacy. The
candidate must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in
oral and written form with all members of the health care team.
- Motor. A candidate must have sufficient motor function to elicit
information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion
and other diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate must be able to execute
motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and
emergency treatments to patients. Such actions require coordination
of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and
functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
- Intellectual (Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities). A
candidate must have the ability measure, calculate, reason and
analyze; they must be able to synthesize and apply complex
information. Candidates must be fully alert and attentive at all
times in clinical settings.
- Behavioral/Social Attributes. A candidate must possess the emotional
health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual
abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of
all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients
and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships
with patients. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing
workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be
able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and
learn to function in the fact of uncertainties inherent in the
clinical problems of many patients. Commitment to excellence,
service orientation, goal-setting skills, academic ability,
self-awareness, integrity, compassion, motivation and interpersonal
skills are all personal qualities that are assessed during the
admission and education processes.
All correspondence concerning applications should be addressed to
the Florida State University College of Medicine Admissions Office,
1115 West Call Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-4300 or .
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