Periodic Assessment of Knowledge And Skills 1 (PEAKS 1)

PEAKS 1 Module Description

The Periodic Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (PEAKS) modules are designed as capstone assessments at the end of each of the three phases of the medical curriculum. These assessments evaluate students' mastery of the knowledge, attitudes, and skills acquired throughout each phase, ensuring readiness to progress confidently through their medical education and into their future roles as competent and compassionate physicians. The PEAKS 1 module is structured to reflect the specific learning goals of Phase 1: foundational sciences and basic clinical skills in the Pre-Clerkship Phase.

PEAKS 1 assesses students at the end of the Pre-Clerkship Phase, which encompasses foundational sciences, organ-based systems, and basic clinical skills required for the clerkships. This assessment ensures that students have the necessary knowledge and skills to transition into their clinical clerkships.

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PEAKS 1 Module Goals

• To evaluate students' mastery of the knowledge, attitudes, and skills acquired throughout each phase of the medical curriculum.

• To ensure readiness for progression to the next phase of medical education.

• To identify strengths and areas for improvement in students' clinical and professional competencies.

• To provide comprehensive feedback that informs and guides students' ongoing learning and development.

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PEAKS 1 Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, students will:

Learning Objective	Medical Education Program Objective (MEPO)
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of foundational sciences and organ-based systems.	Knowledge for Practice 8. Apply knowledge of biomedical sciences to care for patients.
Perform basic clinical skills, including history-taking, physical examination, and basic diagnostic skills with proficiency.	Patient Care 1. Gather essential and accurate information about patients and their conditions through history-taking, physical examination, and the use of laboratory data, imaging and other tests. 4. Perform medical, diagnostic and surgical procedures considered essential for the area of practice.
Apply principles of clinical reasoning and decision-making in foundational clinical scenarios	Patient Care 3. Make informed decisions about diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Knowledge for Practice 8. Apply knowledge of biomedical sciences to care for patients.
Exhibit professionalism and ethical behavior in simulated patient interactions.	Professionalism 15. Demonstrate ethical principles in the care of patients.
Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams in foundational clinical settings.	Interpersonal and Communication Skills 19. Communicate effectively with patients, families, and caregivers across a broad range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. 20. Communicate effectively with colleagues within one’s profession or specialty, other health professionals, and health related agencies.

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