The University of Michigan is one of the premier state universities in the entire country. In addition to UM, the state of Michigan offers several outstanding medical programs for future doctors who aren't afraid of some snow.
Icy roads aren't the only hurdle that medical students in Michigan may need to navigate. Medical school issues can convert doctoral dreams into a living nightmare. If you're struggling academically or accused of any form of misconduct, then you must know what's at risk. Sanctions could range from a formal reprimand to remediation or even expulsion.
Never dismiss a medical school problem as insignificant. At the very least, it's worth consulting a Michigan medical school attorney-advisor about the circumstances you're facing. Generally, it makes sense to hire an attorney-advisor. They can give you experience-based advice and provide a service that you may only fully appreciate well down the line—hopefully once you've established a successful career in medicine.
Academic and Professionalism Standards for Michigan Medical Students
College freshmen may get a pass for immaturity, careless behavior, or even serious lapses in judgment. Not so for medical students in Michigan, who are expected to act more like doctors than college students. This is the imperative that you accept when you choose to pursue medicine.
Your student handbook may outline general expectations. Medical students at Central Michigan University College of Medicine must:
Understand that their professional responsibility to the care of their future patients begins when they matriculate to the College of Medicine. The knowledge, skills, and attitudes learned and demonstrated in the classroom and laboratory are directly relevant to patient care, [approached] with the same professionalism as is the patient in the clinical setting.
Your program may have a similar creed and likely takes it quite seriously. Your program's handbook may also specifically define violations of professional and academic standards. Those standards likely prohibit:
- Fabricating data
- Unauthorized collaboration
- Criminal behavior
- Plagiarism
- Cursing or disrespectful language towards faculty
- Arrogant, demeaning, or otherwise disrespectful behavior towards fellow students
- Ill-treatment of patients
- Any other unethical or unprofessional behavior
Don't anticipate leniency if you've been accused of academic or professional misconduct. Medical programs expect much of their students, and not just academically. You must generally display academic, interpersonal, and ethical proficiency before you're able to graduate.
Dismissal from Michigan Medical Programs
Students who fail to meet their medical school's many criteria may face dismissal—either sooner or later. Dismissal can stem from poor academic performance, a serious case of unprofessionalism, alleged or admitted criminal conduct, academic misconduct, or other infractions.
Your medical program has a detailed process for adjudicating dismissals. At Western Michigan University’s Homer Stryker School of Medicine, the Associate Dean for Educational Affairs handles cases involving possible expulsion.
But at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, dismissals are governed by the Committee on Student Evaluation (COSE). Students referred to the COSE if they are found violating academic integrity, fail the COMLEX-USA more than three times, or who otherwise fails to meet the requirements for progression to the D.O. degrees.
Whatever the root of your possible dismissal is, you generally have the right to:
- Have an attorney-advisor assist you
- Speak with those investigating your case
- Complete a hearing-like process in which you can address your accusers, defend yourself, ask for leniency, present evidence, and provide witnesses
- Receive notice of any sanctions against you
- Appeal an unfavorable ruling (more on appeals in a bit)
You should prepare for these processes with the same tenacity with which you prepared for medical school. An attorney-advisor can facilitate these preparations.
You may have already considered the immense stakes of a dismissal. For those who haven't, understand that an expulsion from a Michigan medical program may:
- Sully your reputation with any medical schools, accreditation boards, residency programs, and employers that you apply to in the future
- Prevent you from gaining re-enrollment in another medical program
- Increase the burden of your student debt, either depriving you of a lucrative medical career, causing you to add more debt to continue your education, or both
- Erase your academic progress
- Have several other personal, physical, psychological, and financial consequences
Please, do not dismiss this as hyperbole. Truly consider the effects of being expelled from your medical program. These negative outcomes show why hiring an experienced attorney-advisor is vital.
Remediation for Medical Students in Michigan
When you struggle in medical school, you're generally afforded the opportunity to retake certain coursework. This is called remediation. Many schools order remediation. At Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine, a Student Competence Committee reviews and recommends remediation for struggling students.
There is a cost to remediation. Remediation may set you back in terms of tuition, fees, and your graduation date. It will also reflect on your academic record. Some students would like to avoid these downsides of remediation, and an attorney-advisor may be able to help.
Appealing Decisions by Michigan Medical Programs
Medical students in Michigan may appeal a broad number of decisions. Most importantly, they may appeal their school's decision to dismiss them. Whether you've received an unfavorable ruling, are involved in the adjudication process, or are awaiting its start, it's important to consider appeals.
Students at the University of Michigan Medical School must file a notice of an appeal within five days of receiving a decision. The university's Executive Committee may hold an appeal hearing, at which time the student's attorney-advisor can explain their grounds for appeal.
Your school may have similar deadlines and high-stakes procedures for hearing your appeal. Don't go it alone. Additionally, if your appeal is unsuccessful, Attorney Lento reach out to your medical school's Office of General Counsel in an attempt to negotiate on your behalf. These negotiations tend to be more beneficial than resorting to a lawsuit against the school.
Hire an Experienced Medical School Attorney-Advisor Serving Michigan
Michiganders hold their academic institutions in high regard. Though you may receive some initial understanding regarding academic struggles, the leniency may only last so long. For professional or ethical lapses, your leash may be even shorter.
You need a proper defense. The smallest blemish on your record could have significant, long-term consequences. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento specializes in student defense issues. He will fight to preserve your reputation and goals for the future by creating strategic defenses, identifying evidence, and calling witnesses before the adjudication committee at your school.
Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to discuss your Michigan medical school issue. You may also submit your case online.
