Graduation Educational Objectives & Competencies

Graduates of the Cumming School of Medicine are prepared to serve diverse communities with humility and a deep sense of social and planetary responsibility. Grounded in medical generalism, they provide contextually informed care across the continuum of life, that aligns with the priority health concerns of the populations they serve in urban, rural and remote communities. Anti-racist and anti-oppressive values underpin their professional identities. As lifelong learners, they contribute to scholarship, quality improvement, and the creation of more inclusive healthcare systems—all while working together to cultivate a culture of well-being that uplifts themselves, their colleagues, and the communities they serve.

1. Demonstrate and apply basic science, clinical science, and social science knowledge in the assessment and management of patient presentations, within supervised practice.

2. Perform comprehensive assessments—including history, physical, and mental status examinations—integrating an understanding of social determinants, environmental determinants, and structural factors in the diagnosis, investigation, and management of patients.

3. Apply a culturally safe, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive approach to patient care that respects individual identities, lived experiences, and systemic contexts.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention strategies and apply these in both individual and population health contexts.

5. Communicate clearly, compassionately, and respectfully with patients, families, and healthcare teams, while fostering inclusive clinical environments.

6. Describe and apply ethical principles in practice and community-engaged decision-making, with attention to social, structural, and environmental accountabilities.

7. Exhibit professional behavior through self-awareness, collaboration, integrity, and commitment to personal wellness and continuous professional growth.

8. Formulate clinical, social, or education questions and apply an evidence-based approach to solve them, incorporating critical appraisal of research and clinical guidelines.

9. Describe the basic principles of clinical and translational research, including how such research is conducted, evaluated, and applied to patient care, recognizing potential research biases, both in the past and the present.

10. Demonstrate the ability to provide comprehensive care to Indigenous patients that addresses health inequities stemming from colonization, racism, and bias within health care institutions.

UMEC, September 2025

Strategic Education Committee, November 2025

Competencies Leading to Achievement of Graduation Educational Objectives describe the principles of the determinants of health as they relate to patient care and potential healthcare gaps and barriers