Our Clerkship Program

The Grading Policy

You will be evaluated on:

• history taking and mental status exam
• record-keeping and oral presentations
• fund of knowledge, problem solving and clinical applications
• relationship with patients and staff
• attitudes and behaviors

At the end of your clerkship you will:

• take a written multiple choice test
• be observed conducting a diagnostic interview.

Residents, attending psychiatrists (and occasionally, patients or their relatives) evaluate your performance.

Your attendance at clinical sites and while on call is monitored. We also note how well you present cases at 8:00 a.m. meetings. Lecture attendance is strictly documented. Because of the breadth of didactic topics presented in this clerkship, attendance and participation has a significant impact on your overall exposure to the fund of knowledge necessary for your competence as a physician. Thus, attendance will be used as a factor in your final grade determination.

Grades will be based: 40% on the written exam, 50% on clinical work, 10% on attendance and OSCE exams.

To earn an 'honors' grade:

• You have shown a level of interest and have a fund of knowledge above that which is expected of an average student.
• Your score on written test is above 83%.
• Your interviewing skills are exceptionally good and were rated as being in the 'Honors' range.
• All your supervisors have rated your performance to be in the 'Honors' range.
• You have participated actively in patients' treatment, case presentations and other clinical activities, especially evening, night and weekend calls.
• There is no adverse comment about your performance from anyone.

To earn a 'high pass' grade:

• You attend classes regularly and present cases regularly.
• Your score on written test is over 78%.
• Your interviewing skills are rated as 'high pass' or above.
• All your supervisors have rated your performance as 'high pass' or above.
• You have participated actively in patients' treatment, case presentations and other clinical activities; especially evening, night and weekend calls.
• There is no adverse comment about your performance from anyone.
• PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PASSING SCORE ON THE TEST IS 60%

Sample testing materials and hints: