Examinations

Quizzes

Two self-scheduled 25 to 50 question computer-based quizzes will be given in the Learning Resource Center (5th floor of the Library) each semester.

Questions will focus on clinical cases and physical findings. Photos and sounds that simulate physical findings will be included, as well as narrative questions. These quizzes will also include questions about the ECG and radiology lectures, small groups, and clinics. Computer quizz scores will be generally posted one to two weeks after the end of the assigned time to take the test.

Written Examinations

There will be one written examination at the end of each semester to assess your cumulative knowledge of the course material and your ability to integrate basic science concepts with clinical medicine. To best prepare for these exams, refer to your assigned reading material, lecture notes, small group experiences, and clinics.

Each test will consist of 75 to 80 multiple-choice questions administered over a period of 2 hours. All items are framed in the context of clinical vignettes. Two formats will be used: single-best-answer multiple choice and matching. Most items will require application of knowledge rather than recall of isolated facts. You will not be allowed to use any calculators or other electronic devices during written examinations.

Written exams are administered in the 8th floor labs of the Ed II building. Examination test booklets may not be removed from the testing room. Failure to turn in your test booklet will result in the deduction of 10 points from your grade and issuance of a negative Scholastic Non-Cognitive Evaluation.

Make-up examinations will not be available. The student's score on any excused missed examination will be the average of scores received on other similar examinations. The student's score for an unexcused absence will be zero.

Preliminary written exam grades will be posted 2-3 days after the test with the final grade being available after the appeals are considered.

NBME Subject Exanmination

The National Board of Medical Examiners' Introduction to Clinical Diagnosis subject examination, designed to assess student performance at the end of history-taking and physical diagnosis courses, is administered at the completion of ICM II. The best way to prepare for this examination is to learn the material in the assigned readings and participate actively in lectures, small group discussions, and clinical activities throughout the two years of ICM course activities.

The exam will be administered in the 8th floor labs of the Ed II building.

Preceptor Evaluation

This is a subjective evaluation to assess your knowledge, skills, attitude, interest, and attendance during your preceptor sessions. While preceptors may be from different areas and have different strengths, this assessment is based on educational elements common to all clinical settings. Your professional interactions, ability to take a patient history and conduct a physical examination on a patient with multi-system disease, and the presentation of this information orally and in writing will be evaluated.

Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE)

There will be a clinical examination each semester. Please refer to your calendar for your dates and times.

OSCEs are given in the Clinical Skills Center and are similar to the clinical exams you had in ICM I.

Any student who receives a failing grade on the Fall OSCE (<65%) or a Patient/Physician Interaction rating that is deemed unsatisfactory by the Course Director will be required to meet with the Course Director.

In the spring semester, students failing individual OSCE stations or the overall OSCE must complete remediation activities to the satisfaction of the Course Director to have their grades converted from "fail" to "pass."

Review Process

After each exam or quiz is graded, the key will be available in the Learning Resource Center (5th floor of the library) for a specified period of time and an appeal deadline will be announced. Appeals may be e-mailed or hand delivered to the ICM office. Appeals must be typewritten; handwritten appeals will not be considered. A textbook reference will significantly strengthen your chances for a successful appeal. The course director and the question author will deliberate each request. Alternate answers may be accepted or questions may be deleted entirely from the exam.

There is no review process for preceptor evaluations or the NBME subject examination.