8/14/2019 KCUMB-TechnicalStandards

1/2K A N S A S C I T Y U N I V E R S I T Y O F M E D I C I N E & B I O S C I E N C E S

KCUMB is commited to the admission and matricula-tion of all qualified applicants and wishes to acknowledge

awareness of laws which prohibit discrimination againstanyone on the basis of race, age, color, national origin,religion, sex or disability.

Regarding disabled (or handicapped) individuals, theUniversity will not discriminate against such individuals

who are otherwise qualified, but will expect applicants andstudents to meet certain minimal technical standards asset forth herein. In adopting these standards, theUniversity believes it must keep in mind the ultimate safetyof the patients for whom its graduates will eventually care.The standards reflect what the University believes, in itsprofessional, academic judgment, are the minimum expec-

tations of osteopathic medical students (and physicians)necessary for the safe, efficient and effective delivery ofmedical care.

The holder of a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)degree must have the knowledge and skills to function in abroad variety of clinical situations and to render a widespectrum of patient care. In order to carry out the activitiesdescribed below, candidates for the D.O. degree must beable to consistently, quickly and accurately integrate allinformation received and have the ability to learn, inte-grate, analyze and synthesize data.

A candidate for the D.O. degree must have multipleabilities and skills, including observation, communication,motor, conceptual, integrative and quantitative, and behav-ioral and social. Technological compensation can be madefor handicaps in some of these areas, but a candidate mustbe able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.

ObservationCandidates and students must have sufficient vision

to be able to observe demonstrations, experiments, andlaboratory exercises in the basic sciences. They must beable to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close

at hand.

CommunicationCandidates and students should be able to speak, to

hear and to observe patients in order to elicit information,examine patients, describe changes in mood, activity andposture, and perceive nonverbal communications. Theymust be able to communicate effectively and sensitively

with patients. Communication includes not only speechbut also reading and writing. They also must be able tocommunicate effectively and efficiently in oral and writtenform with all members of the health-care team.

MotorCandidates and students should have sufficient motor

function to execute movements reasonably required toprovide general care and emergency treatment to patients.Examples of emergency treatment reasonably required ofphysicians are cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administra-tion of intravenous medication, the application of pressureto stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, thesuturing of simple wounds and the performance of simpleobstetrical maneuvers. Such actions require coordination ofboth gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium andfunctional use of the senses of touch and vision.

SensorySince osteopathic candidates and students needenhanced ability in their sensory skills, it would be neces-sary to thoroughly evaluate for candidacy individuals whoare otherwise qualified, but who have significant tactilesensory or proprioceptive disabilities. This would includeindividuals with significant previous burns, sensory motordeficits, cicatrix formation and many malformations ofthe upper extremities.

Strength and Mobili tyOsteopathic treatment often requires upright posture

with sufficient lower extremity and body strength; therefore,individuals with significant limitations in these areas wouldbe unlikely to succeed. Mobility to attend to emergencycodes and to perform such maneuvers as CPR alsois required.

Visual IntegrationConsistent with being able to assess asymmetry, range

of motion and tissue texture changes, it is necessary tohave adequate visual capabilities for proper evaluationand treatment integration.

Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative,& Quantitative Abilities

Candidates and students must be able to concentrate,analyze and interpret data, and make decisions within areasin which there is a reasonable amount of visual and auditorydistraction. They must also perform these functions timelyand under a reasonable amount of stress since physiciansare expected to be able to perform such duties in diverseclinical settings where others may be present and wherethere is a certain degree of noise. Candidates and studentsmust be able to accurately write prescriptions, accurately

Minimum Technical Standards for

Admission and Matriculation

8/14/2019 KCUMB-TechnicalStandards

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and quickly read charts with minimal error in areas wherethere may be distractions. The practice of medicinedemands the ability to integrate and process informationpromptly and accurately in a time-sensitive environment.Candidates must be able to draw on their store of knowl-edge in emergency situations and under time limitations.

Behavioral and Social AttributesCandidates and students must possess the emotional

health required for full utilization of their intellectualabilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt

completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosisand care of patients, and the development of mature, sen-sitive and effective relationships with patients.

Candidates and students must be able to toleratephysically taxing work loads and to adapt to changingenvironments, to display flexibility and to learn to functionin the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical setting.Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonalskills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities that

will be assessed during the admissions and educationalprocesses.

A P P L I C A T I O N F O R S U B M I S S I O N

Special AccommodationsKCUMB will attempt to develop creative ways of

opening the medical school curriculum to competitive,qualified disabled individuals. In doing so, however, the

University must maintain the integrity of its curriculumand preserve those elements deemed essential to theeducation and practice of an osteopathic physician.

The University provides reasonable and appropriateaccommodations for students with documented disabili-ties. The intent of the policy is to provide each student

with the opportunity to excel academically, while creat-ing an equitable environment conducive to learning. Thepolicy will be administered consistently, fairly and in anon-discriminatory manner. The policy complies withthe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1992 andany other state and/or federal applicable laws.

All applicants receiving supplementary applicationmaterial for admission will be asked to certify that theyhave reviewed the Universitys Minimal TechnicalStandards and the Participation in OsteopathicPrinciples and Practice Laboratories. If the student isaccepted to the program, the student will be requiredto complete a Post-Admissions Questionnaire requestinginformation of mental and/or physical limitationsthat may require accommodations while attendingthe University.

The Academic Accessibility Committee (AAC) whichis responsible for reviewing the completed forms willfollow these steps:

1. Preview questionnaires that indicate mentaland/or physical limitations.

2. Investigate whether the disability is ADA-protected.

3. Determine if the student is otherwise qualified forthe program.

4. Assess the risk of the student harming self and others.

5. Reserve the right to request additional documentation.

6. May consult with any necessary health-care providers.

7. May require that the student meet with anyUniversity-selected healthcare provider.

8. Make a formal recommendation to the Executive

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost andDean on all the information received regarding a

students qualification for meeting the minimum

technical standards and requirements for osteopath-

ic principles and practice labs for the program.

If an accommodation is granted during the firstacademic year, a renewal application must be submittedto the AAC the following year if the student wantsa continuation.

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