Essential Functions

The M.D. degree is a broad, undifferentiated degree attesting to general knowledge in medicine and the basic skills required for the practice of medicine. Essential abilities and characteristics required for completion of the M.D. degree consist of certain minimum physical and cognitive abilities and sufficient mental and emotional stability to assure that candidates for admission, promotion, and graduation are able to complete the entire course of study and participate fully in all aspects of medical training, with or without reasonable accommodation.

UT Southwestern Medical School intends for its graduates to become competent and compassionate physicians who are capable of entering residency training (graduate medical education) and meeting all requirements for medical licensure. UT Southwestern Medical School is committed to educating and training future leaders in medicine, many of whom will pursue careers in academic medicine.

For purposes of this document and unless otherwise defined, the term "candidate" means candidates for admission to the M.D. program, as well as enrolled medical students who are candidates for promotion and graduation. 

The following abilities and characteristics are defined as technical standards, which, in conjunction with academic standards established by the faculty, are essential functions of the program and therefore requirements for admission, promotion, and graduation. Delineation of technical standards is required for the accreditation of U.S. medical schools by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.

Although these standards serve to delineate the necessary physical and mental abilities of all candidates, they are not intended to deter any candidate for whom reasonable accommodation will allow the fulfillment of the complete curriculum. Candidates with questions regarding technical standards are encouraged to contact the Learning Specialist in Student Academic Support Services immediately to begin to address what types of reasonable accommodations may be considered for development to achieve these standards as outlined in EDU-103 Reasonable Accommodations for Qualified Applicants and Learners with Disabilities.

Admission to UT Southwestern Medical School is conditional on the candidate’s having the ability to satisfy these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation.

UT Southwestern Medical School has an ethical responsibility for the safety of patients with whom students and graduates will come in contact. Although students learn and work under the supervision of the faculty, students interact with patients throughout their Medical School education. Patient safety and well-being are therefore major factors in establishing essential functions involving the physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities of candidates for admission, promotion, and graduation.

Candidates must have the physical and emotional stamina and capacity to function in a competent manner in the hospital, classroom, and laboratory settings, including settings that may involve heavy workloads, long hours, and stressful situations.