5.6: Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)

The Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), also known as the Dean’s Letter, will be compiled by the Advising Deans and sent to residency program directors as part of the application to obtain positions for postgraduate training. The letter is submitted to residency programs in the autumn of the student’s final year in the MD program. This letter is a narrative evaluation of the student’s accomplishments in the MD program. Achievements during clinical clerkships and attributes as potential house officers and physicians are major points of emphasis. Recognition is included in the letter for accomplishments in research, teaching, and community service. The MSPE will also include in the last sentence of the required clerkship narrative the student’s performance in each of three domains of the Criterion-Based Evaluation System (CBES). There will also be an appendix that describes CBES, including the criteria used and the process used to collect data and formulate the summary evaluation.

Participation in the Residency Match

All students are expected to adhere to the School of Medicine’s Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) throughout the residency application process. Concerns raised about a student's academic performance or professional behavior may be included in the MSPE and/or affect their eligibility for promotion to Candidate for Residency. For students who have matched into a residency program, the School of Medicine may report to the program (as an amendment or addendum to the MSPE) any change in academic status, graduation date, or eligibility of the applicant. This includes any information regarding performance that is obtained after the MSPE is filed.

updated August 2023