Glossary

TermApplied Science for Medicine: The student should...
Aetiology of...List and classify the causes of the specified condition.
Anatomy of...Know in detail the structure of the specified organ, tissue, cell or cellular components.
Define...Understand the medical meaning of the specified condition or process.
Development of...Know the origins, embryological or otherwise, of the specified organ, tissue or cell.
Dose-response relationshipExplain the relationship between drug dose and response; define the terms agonist, antagonist and partial agonist
Genetics of…Know the gene(s), mutation(s), inheritance and molecular mechanisms involved in a specified condition
Histopathology of...Outline the key histological appearances of the specified condition.
Mechanism of drug actionIdentify molecular targets and cellular actions and describe how these actions translate into responses
Microbiology of...Common pathogens, their laboratory diagnostic features, mechanisms of infection or infestation and complications.
Monitoring drug therapyDescribe the practicalities of measuring plasma drug concentrations; explain how to interpret drug concentration measurements appropriately; explain how to adjust dosage in light of drug concentration measurements
Outline the pharmacology of...Know the therapeutic class, common indications and common side effects.
Pathogenesis of...Know the abnormal process that causes the specified condition.
Pathology of...Know in detail the specified condition.
Pathophysiology of...Know in detail the abnormal functions that occur with the specified condition.
Pharmacology of...Know in detail the therapeutic class, metabolism and elimination, mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, interactions and side effects.
Physiology of...Know in detail the normal functions that occur in the specified organ, tissue, cell or process.
Rational prescribingExplain the importance of accurate calculation of drug dosage, especially for intravenous infusions
Repeated drug dosingExplain the pharmacokinetic factors that determine choice of dose, route and frequency of drug administration
Science of...Know the underlying principles of the specified process.
Toxicology of...Know the effects and pharmacology of the poison or medication at toxic doses.
TermClinical and Communication Skills: The student should...
Classify this condition...Know the accepted grades and/or categories for the specified condition.
Complications of...Know the potential common and serious adverse events related to the specified condition, treatment or interventions.
Criteria to reach a diagnosis of...Know the features that must be present to make the specified diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis of...List the common, less common but dangerous and uncommon diagnoses for the problem.
Examine...Carry out an examination of the specified system, document, interpret the signs and present your findings.
Explain this condition...Describe and answer questions relating to the specified condition, procedure or treatment in a language that the patient can understand.
History from...Use communication skills to take a full history with a focus on the specified complaint, document the history, interpret the symptoms and present the case.
Indications for...Know the indications for the specified investigation or intervention.
Interpret these investigations...Know the indications and interpret the results of the specified investigation.
Management of...Know in detail all the treatment options for the specified condition
Medication history…Elicit and record an accurate medication history, including current and recent medicines, to support effective medicines reconciliation; interpret the medication history so that allergies and adverse drug reactions can be identified; identify common potentially important drug interactions
Outline the management of...Know briefly the principles of all the treatment options for the specified condition
Perform...Competently complete the task, know the indications, complications and interpret the results.
Prescribe drugs safelyInterpret data that is relevant to prescribing decisions (e.g. renal function, drug concentrations); document the rationale for new prescribing decisions in patient notes; recognise drugs with a narrow therapeutic index or high potential for serious adverse effects/interactions, and take appropriate precautions when prescribing them; recognise the potential for medication errors and take steps to reduce the risks; recognise situations where prescribing skills are not sufficient, and seek advice before proceeding
Prognosis of someone with...Know the predicted likely outcomes of the specified condition.
Recognise this key feature...Identify and understand the importance of this key aspect from the history, examination, investigations or management.
Role of...Know the criteria for referral/involvement, recognise the importance and expertise of the specified professional/organisation to the current scenario.
Write prescriptions that take into account the needs of individual patientsConsider possible contraindications, drug-drug interactions, previous adverse drug reactions, any special circumstances, age and gender, and diseases
TermPersonal and Professional Skills: The student should...
Effectively communicate…Be able to judge their audience and communicate appropriately in a professional, thorough, structured and succinct manner relating to the specified situation.
Empathise…Have the ability to recognise and appreciate the patient’s perspective relating to the specified situation.
Ethics…Develop, critique and understand the ethics of the specified situation.
Explore…Be aware, discuss and acknowledge the emotional, psychological and social aspects of the specified condition, procedure or treatment in a non-judgemental fashion.
Legal…Know the relevant legislation and legal requirements of the doctor in the specified situation.
Professional obligation…Know the expected role that the doctor should take in the specified situation.
Self-Care…Integrate the specified aspects into their practice for their own well-being.
TermPopulation Health: The student should...
Epidemiology in New Zealand of...Know the approximate incidence, prevalence, gender distribution, age range, geography, spread with socio-economic status and risk-factors for the specified condition in New Zealand
Epidemiology worldwide of...Know the approximate incidence, prevalence, gender spread, geography and age range for the specified condition worldwide
Health Management relating to...Outline the structure of the health system, allocation of funding and the required standards of the specified intervention or establishment
Health promotion of...Know the common strategies for improving health related to the specific condition or situation. Outline the risks and benefits.
Prevention of...Know the common strategies implemented on a population basis to halt progression or reduce development of the specified condition
Public measures relating to...Which methods can be employed to prevent/limit/control harm from the specified condition or event.
Screening of...Outline the available programmes in New Zealand for early detection/prevention of this condition, including consideration of resources required, cost-effectiveness, risks vs benefits, ethics and access.