Evaluation of Residents and Fellows

Whenever possible, the E*Value system is used for completing evaluations. Evaluations are always treated confidentially and whenever possible the evaluator remains anonymous to those being evaluated.

1.   Summative Evaluations 

Three over-lapping and complementary methods are used to evaluate residents and fellows. The first is a rotation based evaluation process. On-going oral feedback is given during the course of the rotation as needed, and a summative written evaluation is completed at the end of each rotation (one to three months). The rotation director and/or faculty that have worked closely with the residents and fellows during their month of service complete this evaluation. The evaluation forms are accessed through the E*Value and responsible faculty are reminded by email of the need to complete the forms in a timely manner. Residents and fellows have access to these documents upon completion of their evaluations of the rotation and teaching faculty.

2.   Formative Evaluations 

A program of formative evaluations is the second method for evaluations. Theses consist of tasks identified by the department as representative of core competencies needed to practice pathology. Tasks will be appropriate to the trainee's level of training and will include elements of the 6 core competencies identified by ACGME. Mastery of individual tasks is documented by staff signature and progress will be documented in the six-month evaluation described below.

3.   Semi-annual evaluations 

The third method of evaluation is through semi-annual faculty meetings. At these meetings, the written evaluations are reviewed and the trainee’s overall progress is discussed. The emphasis of this meeting is on whether the trainee is at the level of performance expected based on his/her level of training. Topics that are discussed include the six core competencies, as defined by the ACGME (Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Practice-Based Learning and Environment, Professionalism, and Systems-Based Practice). Comments made about each trainee during the evaluation meeting (and derived from submitted written evaluations) are assembled by the Program Director into a single, comprehensive review that is then presented to the trainee. Trainees are given the opportunity to respond to any issues raised in the review and, when necessary, corrections are made. The trainee has the right to attach an explanatory document to the 6-month evaluation whenever they see fit. The review session is documented by having the trainee and program director sign the 6-month evaluation with any attached documents. Signed documents are retained in the trainee's permanent file.

Faculty Evaluation 

Using the E*Value system, the trainees provide annual, anonymous written evaluations of the faculty that include a review of their teaching abilities, commitment to the educational program, clinical knowledge and scholarly activities.  

Program Evaluation 

The educational effectiveness of the programs is evaluated semi-annually by the Program Director, teaching faculty and at least one resident via a documented faculty meeting. The meeting evaluates the effectiveness of the program in meeting its goals and objectives. Data points considered at this include some or all of the following: confidential written evaluations of the program prepared by the trainees, RISE exam results, surveys of graduated residents and fellows, board certification examination results, and Internal and External Reviews of the program by GMEC and RRC. An approved plan of action is documented in the minutes of the meeting if deficiencies are noted.