Technological compensation can be made for some handicaps in certain of these areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner without a trained intermediary. The candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, including but not limited to physiologic and pharmacologic demonstrations in animals, microbiologic cultures, and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. A candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand.
Observations necessitate the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation.
It is enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell. A candidate should be able to speak, to hear and to observe patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity, and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively in oral and written form with all members of the health care team.