OVERVIEW
The University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine is committed to educating diverse, competent, and humane physicians and researchers. Therefore, it is a great responsibility to select the best and most qualified candidates for medical school, as well as the development of a curricular experience that will allow these candidates to succeed and graduate as the best possible physicians.
Technical Standards are additional criteria beyond academic requirements like MCAT, GPA, and faculty letters. Compliance with these standards with or without reasonable accommodation is required for admission, retention, promotion, and graduation. To earn the MD degree, all candidates must demonstrate essential skills and aptitudes required for successful completion of the medical school curriculum in five key areas:
- Observation
- Communication
- Motor Function
- Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
- Behavioral, Emotional, Social Attributes and Professionalism
The UPRSOM is dedicated to the promotion of diversity, and the recruitment and education of students regardless of their gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability and functional diversity, or any other protected status. The objective is to achieve a medical professional population that reflects the demographic makeup of our island. The UPRSOM acknowledges Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The American Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, and its congressional amendment of 2008. We are committed to providing educational opportunities for qualified students with disabilities and functional diversity, and recognize their potential to excel as physicians. The technical standards aim to ensure that no qualified candidate with disabilities and functional diversity, is deterred from applying, as reasonable accommodations can facilitate the fulfillment of the complete curriculum. We encourage matriculants to disclose any disability and functional diversity, and request accommodation from the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSEI) (osei.rcm@upr.edu, ext. 4006, 4002).
POLICY
All applicants and medical students must meet both the academic standards and the technical standards to progress through the medical curriculum and ultimately graduate. Prospective applicants and current enrollees who have inquiries regarding their ability to fulfill the institution’s technical standards should reach out to the Office for Student Affairs (Office A-873, Tel. 787-758-2525 Ext. 1810, 2045). Those who anticipate the need to seek reasonable accommodations to adhere to these standards are encouraged to contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSEI) (osei.rcm@upr.edu, ext. 4006, 4002). Timely disclosure and requests by students are of the utmost importance, as accommodations are not applied retroactively and additional time may be needed to implement them.
The following abilities and characteristics are defined as technical standards and are requirements for admission, retention, promotion, and graduation.
- Observational Skills
Candidates for the MD program must be able to acquire different levels of information by using their senses and mental abilities, as presented through demonstrations and experiences in the learning environments. In the basic sciences, the medical students must be able to participate in activities, including but not limited to, laboratory exercises, histologic examination of specimens, and dissection of cadavers. In clinical sciences, the candidate must be able to perform a complete physical examination and analyze clinical data to develop a diagnostic and treatment plan.
- Communication Skills
Candidates must be able to quickly, clearly, effectively, and efficiently communicate and elicit information in both Spanish and English. Communication in both languages includes oral and written, not only with patients and their families, but also with health care personnel, colleagues, faculty, staff, and all other individuals with whom they come in contact.
- Motor Function
Following a period of comprehensive training, a candidate is expected to perform physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers, exercising both general and emergency medical care in a timely manner. These tasks necessitate the coordination of gross and fine motor functions, physical mobility, and adherence to applicable safety standards, including universal precaution protocols.
- Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities
Candidates must have ample and diverse cognitive (mental) abilities and appropriate studying techniques to assimilate the detailed and complex information presented in the didactic curriculum and clinical coursework; they must be able to do so in both remote and in person situations. Candidates must be able to adapt to different learning environments and modalities including, but not limited to, classroom lectures; small group, team, and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; use of medical technology; medical simulation; clinical encounters; coaching; and personal reflection. Candidates must be able to learn, participate, collaborate, and contribute as part of a team effectively. Candidates must be able to memorize, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and communicate their knowledge and reasoning. They must recognize and draw conclusions about three-dimensional spatial relationships and logical sequential relationships among events. They must be able to formulate and evaluate hypotheses consistent with the scientific method that enable effective and timely problem solving in diagnosis and treatment of patients in a variety of clinical modalities. They must be able to make timely, prudent, informed, and defensible decisions in the best interests of patients.
- Behavioral, Emotional, Social Attributes and Professionalism
Candidates are required to demonstrate an elevated level of maturity and emotional stability to effectively leverage their intellectual capabilities. This includes exercising sound judgment and ensuring the timely completion of all duties associated with patient diagnosis and care. Maturity, motivation, reliability, creativity, perseverance, sensitivity towards others and resiliency are fundamental attributes expected of all candidates.
Furthermore, candidates are expected to possess a comprehensive understanding of the legal and ethical aspects inherent in medical practice and adhere to the established standards of the medical profession. Interactions with patients and their families, healthcare professionals, colleagues, faculty, and staff should consistently reflect courtesy, professionalism, and respect regardless of gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability and functional diversity, or any other protected status.
Candidates should actively contribute to collaborative and constructive learning environments, be open to receiving constructive feedback, and demonstrate a personal commitment to making positive changes when needed.
Physical and emotional endurance are essential traits for candidates, enabling them to withstand demanding workloads, perform competently and professionally in high-stress, fast-paced situations, and adapt to changing environments. Flexibility, along with the ability to manage uncertainties inherent to in-patient care and the healthcare system, is imperative. Candidates must not only accept responsibility for their own learning and actions, but also contribute to the overall well-being of the healthcare team.
All applicants will be asked to review these standards and to sign a form certifying they have read, understand and are able to meet all the Technical Standards of our School.
Any applicant or enrolled student who has a question regarding their ability to fulfill these standards and expectations is strongly recommended to contact the Office for Student Affairs (Office A-873, Tel. 787-758-2525 Ext. 1810, 2025).
Revised by the Subcommitte on Technical Standards of the SOM Admission Committee on January 2024.
Approved by the UPRSOM Admission Committee of the on March 12, 2024.
Approved by the UPRSOM Curriculum Committee of the SOM on March 22, 2024.