Evaluation of Student Performance
Information and materials presented in lecture, laboratory and related conferences and symposia during the medical program are important aspects of the total knowledge and experience required of the student physician. Students are expected to make every effort, consistent with the ideal of continued self-education, to attend regularly scheduled activities and events. In the event of illness or personal need, the Office of Student Affairs reviews, on an individual student basis, excused absences.
Code of Professional Conduct
As members of the medical profession, it is expected that students will at all times reflect the high standards of conduct and appearance befitting the profession. The Code of Professional Conduct was developed and reviewed by students and faculty and signifies their acceptance of the values, standards and code of conduct for medical students. It also establishes procedures to deal with violations of the Code of Professional Conduct and applies to all individuals in the M.D. program during their tenure at the Brody School of Medicine. Further, it defines responsibilities of students and explains the format for student or School of Medicine action, if required.
Grading and Promotion
The Brody School of Medicine uses a grading system of A, B, C, and F, based on total performance. Departments may cite exceptional student performance by awarding Honors to those who demonstrate exemplary, independent scholarship and superior achievement beyond course requirements. Some courses are graded on a pass-fail basis. Examinations are given during and at the end of each course.
Recommendations for promotion and advancement to the following class are made by a Student Review and Promotion Committee for each year and reviewed by the Dean. Each Promotion Committee will be guided in its evaluations by recommendations received from individual members of the faculty, departments, and curriculum committees, as well as by the educational policies of the School of Medicine.
All students are required to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 at the end of the second year prior to beginning the third year clinical clerkships and are required to pass Step 1 in order to continue to progress through the third-year clerkships. Students failing to achieve a passing score will be enrolled in an individually designed program of study for the second and, if necessary, third attempt at Step 1. All students are also required to take and pass both USMLE Step 2 CK and CS during their fourth year. Students are limited to three attempts to pass Step 1 and Step 2. Passage of both components of USMLE Step 2 is required for graduation.