As outlined below in the School of Medicine's Specific Standards for student admission, each medical student must possess sufficient use of sensory faculties to acquire and assimilate relevant information, the capacity to learn, evaluate, and utilize information in a stable, predictable, and responsible way, and the other motor skills necessary to carry out responsibilities. A disability does not preclude a student from admission or progression, and the Medical School makes reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. However, each enrolled student is expected to demonstrate, without unreasonable dependence on technology or intermediaries, the skills, attributes, and qualities set forth in the specific standards for student admission.
In any case in which a medical student appears unable to meet the technical standards set forth in the specific standards for admission, the student’s entire folder and current functioning in all areas of technical skills assessment are formally reviewed by the Admissions Committee and/or the Committee on Students. Additional information may be sought if deemed necessary by either Committee.
Specific Standards
In addition to documented academic ability and other relevant personal characteristics, the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine expects all applicants for admission to possess and be able to demonstrate the skills, attributes, and qualities set forth below, without unreasonable dependence on technology or intermediaries.
Physical Health
A medical student must possess the physical health and stamina needed to carry out the program of medical education.
Intellectual Skills
A medical student must have sufficient powers of intellect to acquire, assimilate, integrate, and apply information. A medical student must have the intellectual ability to solve problems. A medical student must possess the ability to comprehend three-dimensional and spatial relationships.
Motor Skills
A medical student must have sufficient use of motor skills to carry out all necessary procedures, both those involved in learning the fundamental sciences and those required in hospital and clinical environments. This includes the ability to participate in relevant educational exercises and to extract information from written sources.
Communication
A medical student must have sufficient use of speech, hearing, and vision to communicate effectively with patients, teachers, and peers in both oral and written forms.
Sensory Abilities
A medical student must have sufficient use of the senses of vision, hearing, touch, and smell to observe effectively in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical setting. Students must possess the ability to observe both close at hand and at a distance.
Behavioral Qualities
A medical student must possess emotional health sufficient to carry out the tasks above, must have good judgment, and must behave in a professional, reliable, mature, and responsible manner. A medical student must be adaptable, possessing sufficient flexibility to function in new and stressful environments. A medical student must have appropriate motivation, integrity, compassion, and a genuine interest in caring for others regardless of gender, sexual orientation, cultural and ethnic background, socio-economic status, religious affiliation and age.
Return to top
Return to Table of Contents |
