2026 GQ Results—Week 3 Update (Clerkships)!

This week, we are excited to highlight the strong ratings our graduating students gave to their required clerkship experiences. As a reminder, the AAMC Graduation Questionnaire (GQ) is administered annually to graduating medical students.

Reviewing these excellent results, the average rating of overall clerkship quality as “good” or “excellent” across required clerkships was 91%, ranging from 85% to 95% (see graphs below).

Looking at the three-year trend:

  • Ratings have remained consistently strong across the required clerkships.
  • Seven out of the eight clerkships exceeded the national average.
  • Pediatrics showed especially strong and sustained growth, increasing 10% over the past three years.
  • Psychiatry improved from 88% to 93%.
  • Family Medicine, Neurology, Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology all received higher ratings in 2026 than in 2024.
  • Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Family Medicine have maintained consistently high ratings of 90% or higher throughout the three-year period.

To build on this success, the curriculum team is advancing several initiatives:

  • Launched the Student Clerkship Partner (SCP) program in September 2025, an ongoing initiative pairing two student partners with each required clerkship and WRITE to bring student input into clinical phase improvement.
  • Clinical Competency Committees (CCC) will support students’ longitudinal evaluation and promotion.
  • Clinical Competency coaches have been hired and will be available to help students interpret WBAs and other performance data and reflect on opportunities for growth.
  • Required clerkship grading was changed to Pass/Fail for required Patient Care core clerkships in spring 2026.

These excellent results reflect the dedication of our clerkship directors, faculty, staff, and clinical partners throughout the WWAMI region. Their continued commitment ensures that students receive high-quality, supportive clinical learning experiences as they prepare for residency. We will continue to monitor these trends over time, celebrate areas of sustained strength, and identify opportunities to further enhance their clerkship experience.

 

A graph depicting the percentage of graduating students who rated different required clerkships (Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Surgery, and OBGYN) in the "good" or "excellent" range across years (compared to 2026 national averages).
A graph depicting the percentage of graduating students who rated different required clerkships (Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Surgery, and OBGYN) in the “good” or “excellent” range across years (compared to 2026 national averages).

 

A graph depicting the percentage of graduating students who rated different required clerkships (Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, and Neurology) in the "good" or "excellent" range across years (compared to 2026 national averages).
A graph depicting the percentage of graduating students who rated different required clerkships (Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, and Neurology) in the “good” or “excellent” range across years (compared to 2026 national averages).

Have a question or idea? Share feedback on this update or suggestions for improving the student experience through the EQI Feedback Form.