Evaluation, Grading and Appeals

Clinical Evaluation

Fifty percent (50%) of your final grade will be derived from the evaluations provided by your clinical instructors or supervisors. This evaluation will be determined by the faculty member responsible for supervising you on your clinical rotation, usually in consultation with the psychiatry residents with whom you have worked. The basis on which this clinical grade is determined is evident from the standardized clinical performance evaluation form . The clinical attending will provide a numerical grade for the student's performance using the clinical performance guidelines.

Case Studies Requirement

Fifteen percent (15%) of your final grade will be earned by a possible total of fifteen points on five case studies available in Vista.  There are a total of 25 questions (5 per case study) worth .06 points each.

NBME Subject Examination in Psychiatry

The Final Examination will consist of the "National Board Subject Examination in Psychiatry" which is a two hour and 10 minute, multiple choice examination administered nationally to third-year medical students which allows you to compare your knowledge of psychiatry with other medical students at the same level of training. This exam will count for thirty-five percent (35%) of your final grade. The Subject Exam score will be converted to an MCG clerkship grade.

If you score below a "57" on the National Board Subject Examination you will receive a grade of "D" and be required to re-take the examination regardless of your clinical grade.

NBME Score Conversion Sheet

Final Grade

Your final grade will be computed as indicated below. You will be considered failing the course, regardless of your overall final grade, if you:

1. receive a failing clinical grade; or
2. engage in markedly inappropriate or unprofessional behavior

Based on national criteria, the minimum NBME score for an "A", or honors, is "81" (NBME score of 81 = MCG score of 90.57). The minimum NBME score for a "C", or passing, is "57" (NBME score of 57 = MCG score of 70.00). The conversion is based on National Psychiatry mean scores of 57 for passing and 81 for honors.

Questions (Evaluations, Exam Scores, Final Grades)

Questions regarding evaluations, exam scores, and final grades should be directed to Brenda Maddox, Medical Education Coordinator, at 721-6717.

Grade/Evaluation Appeals

Please note the following appeals procedure for students wanting to appeal a grade/evaluation. Failure to follow this procedure will nullify any request for appeal.

Once a final grade has been determined, any appeal must be submitted, in writing, to the Clerkship Director. The written appeal must include the basis for the appeal and any supporting documentation (e.g., patient write-ups). The Clerkship Director will then speak with your clinical supervisor. The clinical supervisor may change your grade only if he or she submits, in writing, to the Clerkship Director adequate documentation and justification for the change. Attempting to contact a clinical supervisor directly will nullify the appeal. The Clerkship Director has the final authority to assign, change, or adjust grades.

Clerkship Evaluation

At the end of the clerkship, you will be required to complete a comprehensive evaluation of your experience.  We highly value your comments and take them into serious consideration in redesigning the clerkship.