Attendance: Drs. Duckworth, Hahn, Kellner, Novak, Rarey, Ritz, Stevens; Students- Elizabeth Lee, Penny Thomas; Staff Marie Coleman (recording)

Dr. Rarey asked Dr. Novak for her synopsis of the Emergency Medicine Clerkship. Dr. Novak stated that it was important to look at each individual comment. The student feedback section had a fair score. The written report was good, stayed pretty consistent, and did a good job explaining the clerkship.

Dr. Novak then gave her synopsis of the Human Behavior course. Dr. Novak stated that overall the scores were up. Concerning the syllabus, it is difficult to tell how the course is graded if the course is graded 100% on tests or if it is a combination of tests, small groups and patient encounters. Dr. Rarey was asked to invite Dr. Averbauch in to speak with the committee about the courses evaluation methods.

Dr. Rarey asked Dr. Duckworth to give her synopsis of Physiology. Dr. Duckworth stated that while the reviewers gave the syllabus high rankings, she disagreed. Dr. Duckworth did not think that the course overview was sufficient in explaining what physiology is and would accomplish. Dr. Duckworth wanted to know if the feedback was formal. Dr. Kellner stated that everything should be evaluated including mid-course feedback. Dr. Stevens stated that the students only receive feedback if needed. Dr. Duckworth stated that the written report was scored well, but she found the report to have minimal information. Dr. Rarey asked if the learning objectives are the physiology national objectives? Dr. Stevens stated that the objectives are the national objectives. Dr. Stevens stated that it was decided to list the functions the students would learn rather than each individual organ.

Dr. Rarey asked Dr. Duckworth for her synopsis of the Evidence Based Medicine clerkship. Dr. Duckworth stated that the syllabus was not in the format as requested. Dr. Duckworth also mentioned that perhaps the title should be changed. The objectives were also listed in many different locations. Dr. Kellner said that course directors are having difficulties including core competencies. Dr. Duckworth stated that the written report score was low. Most students get A’s and B’s. The course director is concerned that the students are not getting enough feedback. Director’s evaluation was well done, but it would be helpful to discuss what the students learn. Dr. Rarey said that course/clerkship directors should discuss with senior students how it will help their practice. Dr. Kellner stated that he thought that the graduate questionnaire asks those questions. Dr. Rarey asked that it be checked and that it is discussed a lot by students. Ms. Lee stated that the course gave her resources that have helped her in other courses/clerkships.

Dr. Duckworth gave her synopsis of the Pediatric Clerkship. Dr. Duckworth stated that the syllabus was not in the format as requested. Student performance is low. However, the clerkship uses innovative tools to evaluate student feedback. Dr. Duckworth did note that the student must go to the attending in order to receive feedback and the student may be reluctant to go. Dr. Kellner stated that it should be the responsibility of the director to give feedback. Dr. Duckworth noted that overall this is a good clerkship.

Dr. Duckworth suggests that either there be a standard syllabus or not and for the written report there be specific questions that the director must answer. Dr. Kellner stated that it is a matter of follow-up. Everything needs to be standardized or there needs to be repercussions. Dr. Stevens suggests that Dr. Rarey’s office maintain a site that has all of the syllabi, so that syllabi would all be the same.

Meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.