FAQ’s - Pediatric Clerkship Grades

Why didn’t I get a higher grade?
Your grade was not determined by a single individual. The grade that you received was assigned by the pediatric clerkship grading committee, which consists of clerkship directors (Swantz, Christy, Varade) and our 3 pediatric chief residents. Committee members independently reviewed your file, and your achievements were also discussed at the meeting. Based on the individual assessments of your file, a consensus was reached and your grade was assigned using the standardized medical school definition of clerkship grades (academic performance, clinical performance, personal/professional qualities, competitiveness for residency as well as taking into consideration your performance relative to all students on the 12-week block.

Will the fact that I did not get an Honors grade hinder with my chances of getting into a good residency (Pediatric or other specialty)?
No. Applicants for residency positions are judged by a variety of measures. Your pediatric clerkship grade is only a small part of your residency application`. Other clerkship/externship grades, letters of recommendations, board scores, personal statements, and personal interviews are equally important.

Why aren’t all the evaluations back in my folder?
Not all student files will have 100% of evaluations returned before a grade is assigned. This is the nature of relying on dozens of individuals across any given clerkship to evaluate many students. The School of Medicine expects that grades will be assigned within four weeks of completing the 12-week block. Once we know from whom you have requested evaluation (signature card), our secretary will work to follow-up and remind evaluators that their responses are due. However, people go on vacation, people switch institutions, and unfortunately not everyone follows through on their commitments in a timely manner. You may also take a role in tracking down evaluations if you wish.

How much weight is given to the individual evaluator’s comments?
Over five weeks on our clerkship you have had a variety of relationships with attendings and house staff. Some will have had the opportunity to observe all elements (academic, clinical, interpersonal) of your practice. Others will have had only focused observations in limited areas. Some preceptors work with you over several weeks – for others your contact with them may only be for a few days. All of these factors are taken into consideration as the members of the grading committee interpret your evaluations.

What can I do if I am dissatisfied with my grade? Will the clerkship reconsider my grade?
As per the SMD policy, grades will only be reconsidered and possibly changed if there is additional information that was not part of the original review. So, if there are additional elements to add to your file, the grading committee will re-consider your grade. However, this does not automatically mean that a different grade will be assigned.

How long will it take to have my file re-considered?
It is solely your responsibility to coordinate getting additional information into your file. You must notify the clerkship directors and the clerkship secretary that you are undertaking this effort. Once the information is in the hands of the clerkship, your file will be “batched” with the next cycle of students for the grading committee to consider. This may take as long as 12 additional weeks from your initiation.

How do I interpret the Pediatric Subject test score?
This is not a percentage correct score. It is an adjusted score that takes into consideration results of test takers from throughout the academic year. The test score correlates with national percentiles – these were provided for your information. However, our assessment of your individual performance is based relative to the scores of your colleagues here at the University of Rochester. Your exam counts for 15% of the clerkship grade.

Do I have to retake the exam if I fail it?
Scores less than 2 standard deviations from the mean need to be remediated (repeated once during another scheduled administration of the exam).

How was the basic science block counted in my overall clerkship grade?
You were evaluated on a pass/fail basis for the two-week block. To pass, a student must have had full attendance, completed the shelf-exam, and given a twenty-minute presentation. Your presentation grade (Honors/Pass/Fail), with narrative feedback was included in our summative evaluation if you gave your talk on a pediatric day. A failing grade on the presentation must be remediated with the individual faculty member assigned to that day.

If you wish to set up a meeting with Dr. Swantz to discuss grade or career options please contact Janice Greenberg at X5-3367 to make an appointment. You can reach Dr. Christy at 922-4028, or Dr. Varade at x5-9784.