Table 2.
Elements included or excluded from the Alfaisal MSPE (policy overview).
| Element | Included? | Source/owner | How it appears in the MSPE | Policy notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPA/academic distinctions | Yes | Assessment Office | Academic History; concordant with transcript | Reported as per policy; cross-checked with Registrar |
| USMLE scores | Conditional | Student-provided/Registrar (if stored) | Included only if institutional policy permits | Respect privacy and ERAS guidance |
| Clerkship narratives | Yes | Clinical departments | Integrated narrative summaries for core rotations | Faculty development to reduce vague language |
| Clerkship grade distributions | Yes | Assessment Office | Comparative graphics or percentile position | Encouraged for transparency; legend included |
| NBME shelf/OSCE | Conditional/yes | Assessment Office | Percentiles or cohort comparison (if allowed) | Follow local policy on exam reporting |
| Professionalism/remediation | Yes | UME Leadership/Student Affairs | Standardized descriptors; outcomes if applicable | Use institutional glossary; protect confidentiality |
| Noteworthy Characteristics (NC) | Yes | Student interview + MSPE team | Three concise, vetted statements | One-to-one interview ensures accuracy/professionalism |
| Extracurricular/leadership | Conditional | Student Affairs (verified) | Included when substantively relevant to professional development | Avoid padding; require verification |
| Research/publications | Conditional | Student Affairs (verified) | Summarized when impactful; detailed list in CV, not MSPE | Ensure verifiability and relevance |
| Specialty-specific tailoring | Yes | MSPE team | Highlights achievements, experiences, and skills most relevant to the student’s intended specialty (e.g., internal medicine, general surgery) | Ensures content remains factual and evidence-based while emphasizing strengths that support the student’s specialty interest |
This table summarizes the key components considered in the Alfaisal MSPE, including which elements are consistently included (e.g., GPA, clerkship narratives) and which are conditionally included based on relevance (e.g., extracurriculars, research contributions). GPA, Grade Point Average; NBME, National Board of Medical Examiners; OSCE, Objective Structured Clinical Examination; ERAS, Electronic Residency Application Service.