Grade Appeals in the Internal Medicine Clerkship: A National Survey and Recommendations for Improvement

Abstract

Changes in social norms over many decades have led students to expect a more transparent educational experience.1 Medical schools have become more open and accountable, school administrators are more available, and the hierarchies of knowledge have leveled off in the internet age.2 With this increased transparency, medical student grade appeals and the factors that drive them have come under discussion. These factors may include grade inflation,3,4 variation and imprecision of clerkship grading,5,6 inadequate feedback in the clinical workplace,7 and the perceived need for clerkship honors to attain residency goals.