To create a standardized evaluation system for resident physicians to utilize when assessing rotating fourth year medical students during their neurology sub-internship rotation.

The fourth-year sub-internship rotation is an important time as students take expanded responsibilities in patient care. Evaluations given at the end of these rotations vary in utility and from provider to provider. By systemizing and standardizing how evaluations are given, it not only promotes a healthier learning experience, but it fosters a supportive environment where medical students can receive more constructive feedback for personal and professional development and growth.

An evaluation form was created composing of 6 categories (knowledge, productivity, punctuality, communication, dependability, and leadership) and graded on a Likert scale from 1 to 5. A separate guideline on how to give feedback using this evaluation form was given to the resident to help further standardize how evaluations were given. A printed form was given to both the resident and the medical students to fill out. A short survey was provided to the medical student at the end of the rotation to evaluate the benefits of a standardized evaluation system.

A total of 17 fourth year medical students received an evaluation each week from 8 different neurology residents. Each student received anywhere from 1 to 4 evaluations (mean: 2.65) at the end of the month. On average, students thought a standardized evaluation helped better identify areas of improvement (mean: 4.71), offered a clearer understanding of overall performance (mean: 4.65) and provided insight to help prepare for residency (mean: 4.35).

Creating a standardized evaluation not only encouraged a healthy mentorship relationship but provided medical students with awareness to enhance their learning, improve their performance, and prepare them for their future medical residency training.