Physicians must understand the scientific basis of medicine and be able to apply that understanding to the practice of medicine. They must have sufficient knowledge of the structure and function of the body (as an intact organism) and its major organ systems and of the molecular, cellular, and biochemical mechanisms that maintain the body's homeostasis in order to comprehend disease and to incorporate wisely modern diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in their practice. They must engage in lifelong learning to remain current in their understanding of the scientific basis of medicine.

For its part the medical school must ensure that before graduation a student will have demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the faculty, the following:

• Knowledge of the normal structure and function of the body (as an intact organism) and of each of its major organ systems
  
  
• Knowledge of the molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms that are important in maintaining the body's homeostasis
  
  
• Knowledge of the various causes (genetic, developmental, metabolic, toxic, microbiologic, autoimmune, neoplastic, degenerative, and traumatic) of maladies and the ways in which they operate on the body (pathogenesis)
  
  
• Knowledge of the altered structure and function (pathology and pathophysiology) of the body and its major organ systems that are seen in various diseases and conditions
  
  
• An understanding of the power of the scientific method in establishing the causation of disease and efficacy of traditional and non-traditional therapies
  
  
• An understanding of the need to engage in lifelong learning to stay abreast of relevant scientific advances, especially in the disciplines of genetics and molecular biology