Introduction to the Medical Student Performance Evaluation

What is the MSPE?

MSPE Sample
Click for MSPE Sample

The Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) is a letter that summarizes and evaluates the performance of a medical student. The document is sent to all residency programs you'll apply to. 

M3s/M4s: Looking for the page to start the MSPE process? Click here.

There are multiple aspects that are included in the evaluation in order to accurately reflect each student's performance including:

  • Noteworthy Characteristics: up to three items, provided by you, that highlight your individual qualties and activities which may distinguish you from others
  • Academic History: matriculation and graduation dates, general information on any leaves of absences or extensions, and general descriptions of any actions taken by the college in response to the student's performance problems. 
  • CCOM Honors and Recognitions: AOA and/or GHHS membership, and candidacy for graduating with distinction (ie. distinction track participation)
  • Academic Progress: grades and some summative comments from clinical evaluations
  • Clerkships: grades and some summative comments from clinical evaluations
  • Summary: A summary of all the above, written by one of your learning community faculty directors or a dean
  • Comparative Information: charts that compare your performance to a similar co-hort of other students 

Where applicable, it will also contain:

  • MSTP final evaluation
  • Pathology Externship final evaluation

A video explanation of the MSPE is available. 

Strategic Considerations for your Career

Your performance in medical school shapes the MSPE. While the format is standardized and largely out of your control, its content comes from your academic, clinical, and professional performance throughout medical school. Everything you do—from coursework to clerkships—contributes to this document.  Here’s what you need to know:

  • Day 1 Matters: It's important to understand that you start creating your MSPE on your first day of medical school. Consistently strive for excellence in your pre-clinical studies, your clinical rotations, and your interactions with peers and faculty.
  • Professionalism is Key: Your ability to communicate, collaborate, and uphold professional standards will be highlighted in the MSPE. Take every opportunity during medical school to demonstrate these qualities.  Don't underestimate the importance of so-called "soft skills."
  • Understand the Process: You’ll have at least two opportunities to review and suggest correctionts to factual errors and omissions.  The first opportunity comes before you meet with your community director or dean, and the second occurs during the final draft stage. 
  • Focus on Long-Term Goals: The MSPE is a small part of the process of securing a residency positon.  Success in medical school strengthens your MSPE but, more importantly, the achievements highlighted within will prepare you for residency. Keep your eyes on the bigger picture as you train.
  • Keep an Eye on the Comments: As you make your way through med school, regularly review the comments from your evaluations.  Correct any problems they highlight to show that your trajectory trended upward.  This may also allow you to spot factual errors sooner--it's easier to correct the record sooner than later.

By keeping these principles in mind, you’ll ensure that your MSPE reflects the dedication and hard work you’ve invested throughout medical school. For more details on the MSPE process and timeline, explore the resources available on this page.