Personal Attributes

This section presents a summary of the development of each capability over the three phases of the curriculum. The capabilities have often been abbreviated and/or combined in this section. The full Graduate Capabilities document contains a detailed listing of all capabilities (available as a pdf).

• Self-Directed Learning and Critical Evaluation Skills
• Understanding Ethics and Legal Responsibility and Acting in an Ethical and Socially Responsible Manner
• Development as a Reflective Practitioner

The Asterisks (*) in the columns indicate an emphasis on the development of the relevant capability. All capabilities are cumulative, so that once developed they are expected to be refined and exercised in subsequent phases

6. Self-Directed Learning and Critical Evaluation Skills

Self-Directed Learning and Critical Evaluation involves both self-assessment and reflection. These elements are addressed under the capability of Development as a Reflective Practitioner.

		Phase 1	Phase 2	Phase 3
	Directing own Learning
	Identifies questions and learning needs arising from scenario presentations and other learning activites. Engages in appropriate activities to address identified needs.	*	*
	Negotiates the focus and scope of learning projects.	*
	Uses a variety of self-directed learning activities to extend learning beyond the prescribed coursework.
	Completes individual and group learning projects efficiently.	*
	Efficiently organises own time and activities to complete Independent Learning Project /Honours and other set assignments.		*
	Initiates (as opposed to selecting and negotiating) learning projects.	*		*
	Finding, Evaluating and Synthesising Evidence
	Demonstrates skill in: Formulating and applying appropriate information searching strategies Using databases such as Medline and other information sources appropriately. Evaluating the quality and relevance of the information found. Using appropriate citation standards	*
	Demonstrates an understanding of basic statistical principles and ability in handling and presenting quantitative and qualitative information appropriately.	*
	Demonstrates an understanding of basic statistical principles and ability in handling and presenting quantitative and qualitative information appropriately.		*
	Uses Evidence-Based Medicine skills to examine and address clinical and research learning questions.		*
	Self Development
	Critically evaluate own performance and undertakes appropriate formal and informal educational activities routinely.			*
	Identifies future postgraduate learning needs, environments and challenges; develops strategies and skills to facilitate transition to subsequent training.			*

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7. Understanding Ethics and Legal Responsibility in Medicine and Acting in an Ethical and Socially Responsible Manner

		Phase 1	Phase 2	Phase 3
	Developing a Personal Value System
	Explores and can discuss the psychological, social and cultural determinants of one’s own values in relation to clinical situations.	*
	Articulates personal and professional values and incorporats into clinical practice.		*	*
	Sensitivity, Tolerance and Respect for Others
	Develops sensitivity to different needs and values of others, including those from different social and cultural backgrounds, and acts with respect.	*
	Identifies and discusses ethical issues in interactions between fellow students, with staff and with patients.	*
	Clinical Ethics
	Develops the capacity to identify and discuss the ethical aspects of scenarios.	*
	Understands the need for patient autonomy, informed consent, confidentiality and privacy.	*
	Understands and can discuss a number of different ethical perspectives and apply these to clinical situations.	*
	Develops the capacity to care for others and practises clinical skills with consideration for patients and their responses.		*
	Recognises and responds appropriately to ethical aspects of clinical interactions.		*	*
	Recognises the complexity of ethical issues throughout all stages of life and responds appropriately and with consideration for the needs of patients and their families.		*
	Can identify inappropriate behaviour of self and others and identify effective goals and strategies for overcoming these difficulties.			*
	Analyses the extent that systematic factors support equitable and compassionate health care.			*
	Legal Responsibilities
	Understands the professional and legal responsibilities of medical professionals, especially in relation to duty of care, confidentiality, notification, informed consent, and the requirements of relevant legislation.	*	*
	Understands the law relating to health care, and applies this in a way that supports effective clinical practice.			*
	Academic and Professional Conduct
	Demonstrates honesty and integrity in academic conduct and professional contexts.	*	*
	Research Ethics
	Recognises administrative and legal responsibilities and demonstrates knowledge of appropriate ethics		*

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8. Development as a Reflective Practitioner

Reflective practice involves giving and receiving feedback. Feedback is addressed in the teamwork and communication skills capabilities. Reflection becomes focused on clinical experiences in later phases.

		Phase 1	Phase 2	Phase 3
	Self and Peer Assessment
	Engages in self and peer assessment of own and others’ work and contributions to group activities.	*
	Participates constructively in portfolio and small group reviews, evaluating own learning outcomes and processes, and identifying issues that need to be addressed.	*
	Develops an array of self-assessment skills to reflect on own strengths and weaknesses.		*
	Seeks feedback on own performances from tutors, peers and patients, and acts to address issues raised.		*
	Supports the reflective processes of peers (e.g. asks questions, provides constructive feedback).		*
	Reflective Practitioner
	Identifies and explains changes in own behaviour and conceptions arising from reflection on past experiences.	*
	Provides accurate and neutral descriptions of own behaviour, emotions, and intentions. Analyses the impact of own and other’s behaviour and cultural background on self and others.	*	*
	Provides a rationale for his or her own actions and considers alternate courses of action in discussion with others.		*
	Recognises and takes into account the influence of contextual, social, political and cultural factors, and the viewpoints of others, when discussing issues, or when formulating and justifying clinical plans and actions.		*	*
	Develops plans for action and for coping in potentially difficult and/or stressful situations.			*
	Responds flexibly to changing and uncertain situations.			*
	Recognising Limits
	Recognises the limits of self and peers with regard to knowledge and skill, and seeks appropriate and timely assistance.		*	*
	Acknowledges his or her limitations and mistakes and reflects on them so as to develop both personally and professionally.			*