Student Evaluation Process

The UT Southwestern Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program utilizes multiple assessment tools to determine the effectiveness of the clinical rotation and to ensure that students achieve the learning outcomes of all clinical rotations. One such tool is the PAEA End of Rotation (EOR) Exam that students must take upon completion of the clinical rotation. This is one measure of students’ medical knowledge gained during the clinical rotation. EOR Exams are based on the published PAEA End of Rotation Topic Lists and Blueprint.

We also ask clinical preceptors to provide detailed feedback and actionable strategies for improvement that students can implement on a practical level.

Student Self-Assessment

At the onset of the clinical rotation, students identify improvement goals and develop strategies to correct gaps in knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Students are required to review their self-assessment with the clinical preceptor and obtain a signature.

Mid-Point Evaluation

Students initiate the Mid-Point Evaluation process with their clinical preceptor. The Mid-Point Evaluation is utilized to assess the core professional activities associated with the clinical rotation. The students’ achievement of each core professional activity is rated as either: Meeting Expectations; Approaching Mastery; Needs Improvement or Not Observed.

Students are subject to remediation activities for a rating of Needs Improvement on any assessment item on the Mid-Point Evaluation. Therefore, clinical preceptors are asked to provide detailed feedback in the comments section to help guide the remediation process.

Preceptor Evaluation of Student (PES)

Clinical Preceptors will complete the PES form at the end of the clinical rotation to assess students’ achievement of the learning outcomes specific to each clinical rotation. The PES is sent to the clinical preceptor through the program’s clinical learning management system, Exxat, one (1) week prior to the end of the clinical rotation for completion.

Each item on the PES is linked to descriptive anchors that indicate level of mastery and are rated using a Likert scale of 1 – 5 (Strongly Disagree - Strongly agree). Students must earn a minimum ranking of 3 on all PES assessment items to successfully pass the clinical rotation. Clinical preceptors will also evaluate the students’ overall professional development according to the O.R.I.M.E. model (Observer, Reporter, Interpreter, Manager, Educator).

Students are subject to remediation activities for any ranking ≤ 2. Therefore, clinical preceptors are asked to provide detailed feedback in the comments section to help guide the remediation process.

Integrating Teamwork and Communication Training in Clinical Rotations