1(1) An essential objective of a program in medical education leading to the Doctor of Medicine degree, or its equivalent, must be to meet the standards herein described for certification that its graduates will be prepared to enter and complete a program of graduate education, to qualify for licensure, to provide competent medical care and to have the educational background necessary for lifelong learning. A medical program may establish additional objectives consistent with its available resources. Objectives must be defined in writing and made known to faculty and students. While recognizing the existence and appropriateness of diverse institutional missions and educational objectives, the Florida Department of Health and the Board of Medicine subscribe to the proposition that local circumstances do not justify certification of a program that fails to meet the standards as set forth in this rule chapter.
140(2) Certification is awarded on the basis of evidence of an appropriate balance between the size of the enrollment in each class and the total resources of the program, including the faculty, physical facilities, curricular time and methods of instruction, and the budget. If there is to be substantial change in any of the above functions, the Florida Department of Health must be notified in writing so that reevaluation may be instituted.
