Students must demonstrate competency in the following core procedures before graduation:
- Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Bag and Mask Ventilation
- Venipuncture
- Intravenous (IV) Insertion
Competency in CPR and bag and mask ventilation should be developed during the basic science years. Students must be certified to perform venipuncture and IV insertion. Certification must be documented once in the Patient Encounter Log under Procedures (e.g., Procedure - Intravenous Insertion), including the certifying physician's name and certification date in the Comments section. Certification may be completed during any rotation, although the Surgery clerkship has primary responsibility. Once certified, students may continue to perform these procedures under supervision without additional documentation.
Students are encouraged to observe and participate in additional procedures whenever possible. Faculty may certify students in other procedures; however, this documentation is retained by the student and does not need to be submitted to the School. All procedures must be performed under faculty supervision.
Consistent with the AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for Entering Residency, competency in manual skills extends beyond technical ability and includes the ability to:
- Demonstrate the technical (motor) skills required for the procedure
- Understand and explain the anatomy, physiology, indications, risks, contraindications, benefits, alternatives, and potential complications of the procedure
- Communicate with the patient/family to ensure pre–and post- procedure explanation and instructions
- Manage post-procedure complications
- Demonstrate confidence that puts patients and families at ease