The Duke PA Program competencies represent the requisite medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, professional behaviors, and clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities each student must satisfactorily demonstrate in order to graduate from the Duke PA Program.
The development and framework of these competencies was informed by the AAPA 2019 Draft Competencies for the PA Profession, the PAEA Core Competencies for New Physician Graduates, and guided by the mission and values of the Duke PA Program.
The Duke PA Program competencies are organized into the 5 core domains outlined below.
Medical Knowledge
Graduates of the Duke PA program will be able to apply comprehensive knowledge of biologic and clinical sciences to provide acute, chronic, urgent, and emergent, patient-centered care to include women’s health, prenatal care, and care across the life span (infants, children, adolescents, adult, and the elderly).
Competencies
MK1 Apply principles of basic sciences to identify, diagnose, and provide patient centered care.
MK2: Recognize the etiology, risk factors, and epidemiology of medical conditions experienced across the lifespan.
MK3: Select and interpret diagnostic studies to inform clinical decision-making related to patient care.
MK4: Identify and describe pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options, including patient education, to understand their roles and functions in patient care.
Interpersonal Skills
Graduates of the Duke PA program will be able to communicate effectively with patients, families and health team members, incorporating cultural humility and compassion to build meaningful therapeutic and interprofessional relationships.
Competencies
IS1 Use effective communication skills to elicit and provide information to patients, families, and health team members.
IS2 Establish rapport with patients and families to build meaningful, therapeutic relationships.
IS3 Demonstrate sensitivity and compassion to provide care that is responsive to individual health beliefs, practices, languages, health literacy, and other needs.
IS4 Establish respectful working relationships and interact effectively with all members of the health care team.
Clinical and Technical Skills
Graduates of the Duke PA program will be able to demonstrate the clinical and technical skills required to provide age-appropriate assessment, evaluation and management of patients.
Competencies
CTS 1 Conduct effective, patient-centered history-taking and physical examination for comprehensive and problem-focused patient visits.
CTS 2 Convey aspects of a patient encounter to health care team members through accurate and timely written and verbal communication.
CTS 3 Perform procedural and clinical skills considered essential for entry into PA practice.
CTS 4 Counsel and educate patients and families, empowering them to participate in their care and enabling shared decision-making.
Professional Behaviors
Graduates of the Duke PA program will be able to demonstrate integrity, deep understanding of the practice environment, and a commitment to lifelong learning that enables them to provide high quality, equitable care for individuals and communities.
Competencies
PB1 Demonstrate respect for the dignity and privacy of patients, including maintaining confidentiality and informed consent in the delivery of team-based patient care.
PB2 Demonstrate understanding of the PA professional role, regulatory environment, legal standards, and ethical practices to ensure safety, quality, and financial efficiency in patient care.
PB3 Recognize the impact of social, cultural, and systemic factors on healthcare and health outcomes.
PB4 Evaluate and utilize evidence to inform medical decision-making.
PB5 Demonstrate individual accountability, recognition of personal limitations, and a commitment to learning and professional growth.
Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving
Graduates of the Duke PA program will be able to analyze and synthesize relevant clinical, diagnostic, cultural, and contextual information in order to diagnose and manage patients across the lifespan (prenatal, infant, children, adolescents, adult, and the elderly).
Competencies
CRPS1 Integrate information acquired through application of medical knowledge, clinical and technical skills to develop accurate diagnoses for acute, chronic, and emergent health conditions.
CRPS2 Synthesize information through application of medical knowledge, clinical and technical skills, and critical appraisal of the medical literature to formulate health management strategies in the prevention and treatment of acute, chronic, and emergent conditions across the lifespan.
CRPS3 Employ interpersonal skills and professional behaviors to create and communicate individualized care plans for patients across the lifespan.
CRPS4 Leverage interpersonal skills and professional behaviors to collaborate with patients, families, and health care team members in the provision of patient care.