SOM Admissions

Technical Standards for UMMS

Observation

Students must be able to observe demonstrations and conduct experiments in the basic sciences, including, but not limited to: anatomic dissection of preserved tissues and cadavers, physiologic and pharmacologic demonstrations in animals, microbiologic cultures, microscopic studies of microorganisms and animal and human tissues in normal and pathologic states. A student must be able to observe patients accurately at a reasonable distance and close at hand, noting non-verbal as well as verbal signals. Specific observational requirements include, but are not limited to the following abilities: detecting and identifying significant changes in colors of fluids, skin, culture media, and dipstick tests; perceiving with acuity and accurately discriminating findings on x-rays and other imaging tests; efficiently reading written and illustrated material; observing intracellular details through a microscope; observing demonstrations in the classroom, including projected slides, films, videos and overheads; observing and differentiating changes in body movement; observing anatomic structures; discriminating numbers and patterns associated with diagnostic instruments and tests, such as sphygmomanometers and electrocardiograms, and using instruments competently, such as the otoscope, ophthalmoscope, microscope, and stethoscope.