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 » Medical Student Performance Evaluation (Dean's Letters)

General Information

Every year, as part of the residency application process, letters are sent by the Office of Student Affairs on behalf of each fourth year student. The name of this letter, originally known as the Dean’s Letter, is the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE). This name better reflects its purpose as an evaluation tool for program directors, not a letter of recommendation. The MSPE is released from all medical schools on November 1 of each year. The MSPE will be delivered via the Electronic Residency Application Service (to which you will have applied) in a computer file with an internet-based delivery system.

According to guidelines established by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) describes, in a sequential manner, a student’s performance, as compared to his or her peers, through the third year of his or her medical education. It includes an assessment of both the student’s academic performance and professional attributes.

Preparing For Your MSPE

The first step in the preparation of your MSPE is the completion of MSPE questionnaire which you must complete on-line. You will receive notification as to when the questionnaire is available for completion. You do not have to do it all at one time—you can save it and return at a later time to complete it. When it is complete, you so indicate by checking the box the bottom of the form. Dr Veitia will automatically receive notification that you completed it and a copy of your completed questionnaire. After you have completed your questionnaire, you need to call Ms. Laura Christopher at 304-691-1730 to schedule a preparation meeting with Dr. Veitia.

Once a draft of your MSPE is complete, you will receive notification that it is ready for you to come to the Office of Student Affairs within three days of notification. You can correct any errors but cannot change any subjective comments. If you are unable to do so (e.g., because you are out of town), email and let me know).

Components of the MSPE

• Unique Characteristics: This is a summary of who you are and what you accomplished and/or been involved in during your medical education. It is designed to catch the reader’s attention by making you stand out from the crowd. Undergraduate information is not usually included unless there is a clear reason to do so.
• Academic History: This section includes the date you started medical school and your anticipated graduation date. If more than four years is evident, it must be explained in some way. At the meeting we will have to prepare for your letter, we will discuss this. If there has been difficulty, I like to be able to say your recognized your problems, implemented a solution of your own initiative and your performance improved.
• Academic Progress: This section includes information about the student’s academic performance and professional attributes. It is broken down into two sections: your basic science years and your third year. These sections do include GPAs and USMLE Board scores, and your clinical narratives (third year only). Performance in fourth year courses is NOT included in your MSPE.
• Summary: This is a summary assessment, based on our evaluation system, of the student’s comparative performance relative to his or her peers. It includes any information about any school-specific categories used in differentiating among levels of student performance. In other words, it is an evaluation relative to your peers, however, it is most specifically designed to summarize your academic and professional performance, your strengths and weaknesses, and why you are a good fit for your chosen specialty.
  
  Two tables will appear at the end of the summary above my signature. These are subject to change at my discretion (though some version of them has remained constant over the years).

 

Overall Academic Performance Based on Cumulative GPA for Years 1-3

Cumulative GPA	First Quartile	Second Quartile	Third Quartile	Fourth Quartile

Note that I do not include class rank unless you are ranked 1-10.

 

Overall Academic Performance Based on Cumulative GPA for Years 1-3

Overall Medical School Performance*	Outstanding	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Satisfactory
* Rating based on cumulative GPA indicated on class rank report

 

Overall Professionalism Ratings by Third Year Clerkships

	Outstanding	Excellent	Good	Satisfactory	Unsatisfactory
Family Medicine
Internal Medicine
Pediatrics
Psychiatry
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Surgery

 

Appendices may include graphic representations of performance, relative to peers, in the preclinical and clinical years and summary distribution reports such as:

 

Additional Items of Significance in MSPE Preparation

It is useful to have your Curriculum Vitae (resume) and a draft of your Personal Statement when we meet to discuss your letter. There are many resources available to assist you in preparation of documents. Although others exist, “Iserson’s “Getting into a Residency: A Guide for Medical Students” is an excellent resource because it encompasses the entire process from choosing a specialty to matching in your chosen specialty.