GRADES & EVALUATIONS

  • Grading
    The final clerkship grade will be based on the weighted average of a student's clinical performance grade and the final examination grade.  In determining the clinical grade, some evaluations will carry more weight than others, depending, in part, on quality and quantity of exposure the evaluator had with a particular student.  Students are expected to demonstrate professional behavior and attitudes, in addition to demonstrating their knowledge and clinical abilities.  To pass the clerkship, a student must pass all portions of the clerkship and the final exam.  A student who is “unsatisfactory” on any part of the clinical clerkship or who receives an “unsatisfactory” grade from a faculty member will be reviewed by a subcommittee of the Pediatric Education Council who will make recommendations regarding that student.  A student who fails the overall clerkship will be required to retake the clerkship, subject to review by the Promotions Committee.  A student who passes the clinical portion of the clerkship but fails the exam will be required to retake the exam, subject to review by the Promotions Committee.
  • The final exam is the Pediatrics Subject Examination compiled by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). This is a closed-book test administered under the guidelines of the NBME. The Pediatrics Subject Exam will count 100% of the exam grade. The overall exam score constitutes 25% of the final grade. Please note that the exam will be administered on the last week day of the clerkship.  Although students are excused from clerkship responsibilities the night before the examination, students are not permitted to take additional time away from clinical obligations to study for the exam. Students who need extra time for examinations must make this request through the Office of Medical Student Affairs.

    Evaluation Process

    The house staff & faculty with whom they work will evaluate each student's performance.  Evaluation forms on each student will be electronically submitted to the Pediatric Education Office.  Students can make appointments to review evaluations as the rotation progresses.  Dr. Wilson will be glad to meet with students individually regarding performances or evaluations. Dr. Wilson compiles a summary paragraph, based on all evaluations at the end of the rotation.  The paragraph will accompany the final grade to the Deans office.

    APPEALS PROCESS

    If a student does not feel that a given evaluation or the final grade accurately reflects their performance on the clerkship, the student should first talk with the course director about these concerns. The student will be asked to write a letter to the course director, after which the specific questions or problem areas will be reviewed. This may include asking attendings or residents to re-evaluate a student, or soliciting additional evaluations from other faculty or housestaff. Further appeals may be made to the Pediatric Education Council or the Dean of Student Affairs.