Assessment & Evaluation

Assessment & Evaluation Unit

The Assessment & Evaluation Unit supports the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of student assessment and program evaluation across the medical education curriculum. This unit collaborates with faculty, to ensure assessments are valid, reliable, and aligned with educational objectives and accreditation standards. Providing examinations and other assessment tools, collecting and interpreting evaluation data from students and faculty, and providing actionable feedback to enhance teaching, learning, and curricular effectiveness. The unit also plays a critical role in supporting quality improvement efforts and meeting LCME accreditation requirements related to educational outcomes.

How We Assess Student Learning

We use a variety of methods to check your progress, from traditional exams to hands-on, simulated medical patients.

During the Foundation Phase, faculty-designed exams incorporate items from the National Board of Medical Examiners’ Customized Assessment Services (NBME-CAS). These assessments use nationally normed questions to prepare students for USMLE Step 1 and future licensing exams.

In the Clerkship Phase, students complete NBME Subject Exams (“Shelf Exams”) at the conclusion of each clerkship dyad, ensuring alignment with national standards and clinical knowledge competency expectations.

Throughout the Foundation Phase, students participate in Case-Based Learning (CBL) and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) groups are assessed in small groups and individually. These small-group, interactive formats foster critical thinking, collaboration, and the practical application of foundational scientific and clinical knowledge.

Students complete OSCEs at multiple points throughout the curriculum. These structured clinical encounters are designed to assess students' skills in communication, history taking, physical examination, clinical reasoning, and medical knowledge. OSCEs provide a standardized way to evaluate progress and identify areas for improvement.

Additonal Assessment Measures

The CBSE is administered multiple times during the second year of the Foundation Phase. This exam provides a predictive measure of students’ readiness for the USMLE Step 1 and helps guide individual and curricular preparation.

How We Evaluate Our Curriculum

Your voice is essential for improving our programs. We use the following tools to gather your feedback.

At the end of each course at FCoM, students complete a standardized evaluation survey to provide feedback on course content, instruction, and the overall learning experience. These evaluations are essential for continuous improvement of the curriculum and teaching practices. The Assessment and Evaluation team analyzes both quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends and areas for enhancement. Summary reports are shared with course directors and leadership to ensure student feedback is directly used to inform educational quality and innovation.

Independent Student Analysis Information Page