All osteopathic medical school programs expect their students to meet and exceed their high expectations. Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine - Cleveland Campus (OU-HCOM-Cleveland) is no different. OU-HCOM-Cleveland is committed to fostering collaboration, inclusion, and diversity, among its faculty, staff, and students so that they can become exceptional primary care physicians and specialists who focus on treating the whole patient. Sadly, with all this pressure, some students may find it hard to meet these high expectations, causing them to behave in ways that are far outside their normal behaviors.
If you or someone you love has been accused of not meeting these standards, whether they have been referred for disciplinary action, failed a remediation plan, or are being referred for dismissal, an attorney-advisor can help. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has years of experience helping medical students who have found themselves in similar situations. Call our offices today to schedule a consultation.
Academic and Professional Conduct for OU-HCOM-Cleveland Students
All graduate schools have a specific set of academic and professional conduct rules that students are expected to uphold. At Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine – Cleveland Campus, students are given a handbook at the beginning of each year that outlines these rules and regulations. For instance, students are expected to abstain from plagiarism and cheating, maintain satisfactory grades, uphold patient confidentiality, and respect the rights, values, and perspectives of other students, faculty, staff, and patients.
If a student disobeys one of these rules, they will be referred to the Committee on Student Progress (CSP). CSP will determine if the student should be disciplined for a transgression, remediate a course or exam, or if they should be allowed to move forward in the program at all. At OU-HCOM-Cleveland, sanctions for such issues can range from a written warning letter or academic probation to suspension or dismissal.
Remediation at OU-HCOM-Cleveland
Osteopathic medical school, like all medical schools, is extremely competitive, which can feel overwhelmingly stressful for some students. It is important to remember that OU-HCOM-Cleveland's main goal is to uphold its own reputation and ensure the graduates they put into the workforce can treat patients safely and effectively. As such, medical students are tested constantly on their academic comprehension as well as their professional responsibility proficiency. They understand that some students may learn better in a classroom setting while others may learn better in a clinical setting, which is why students are given the opportunity to remediate a course, clinical, or exam if they are having a hard time keeping up or passing the course.
CSP will review each student's academic and professional capabilities. If they see that a student is struggling and would benefit from remediation, they will refer them to the Associate Dean of Admissions & Student Affairs so a remediation program can be created. Generally, students who are given remediation plans must successfully complete them by a certain date before the student can move forward. If a student is unable to do so, they may be referred for dismissal.
Dismissal Procedures for Medical Students at OU-HCOM-Cleveland
OU-HCOM-Cleveland is dedicated to graduating safe and knowledgeable physicians who will provide exceptional patient care to their communities. As such, when CSP reviews the student's progress at the end of each academic year, they will make sure to flag any medical students who are consistently being sanctioned for disciplinary actions, is unable to pass their courses or exams or has been found responsible for academic or sexual misconduct accusations. Students who fit this description will be referred for dismissal.
These students will be given a chance to meet with CSP to submit evidence and witness testimony to effectively defend themselves. CSP will then review this information and determine whether dismissal from the osteopathic medicine program is appropriate. It is important to remember that because many medical schools think about their reputation first and the effect of the punishments on students second, they sometimes sanction students unnecessarily without truly upholding the student's due process rights. This is why it is vital to reach out to an attorney-advisor the moment you learn of these proceedings.
Appeal a Decision at OU-HCOM
Once the hearing has concluded, CSP will convene privately to determine if a disciplinary action or dismissal is appropriate. They will notify you of their decision and lay out specific instructions for how to appeal it. Usually, appeals must be made within five to ten days after receiving the notice. Additionally, appeals can only be made for specific reasons, which typically include:
- The presence of a conflict of interest or bias between CSP and the student
- There is new evidence available now that will have a material effect on the outcome of the decision that was not available before the original hearing
- The sanctions imposed are too severe and should be modified
After your appeal is made, the committee will review it and determine whether or not to strike CSP's decision, amend it, or uphold it. Whatever they decide, it is final and cannot be appealed further. Now, if the idea of filing an appeal sounds overwhelming, Attorney-advisor Lento can help. Appeals are your last chance to explain your side of the story and preserve your dream of becoming a physician.
Hiring a Skilled Attorney-Advisor
Your osteopathic medical school experience is a vital part of your career as a physician. Not only does it mold you into the doctor you hope to be, but any transgressions you make will have long-lasting consequences. For instance, when you apply for a fellowship or a position at a different hospital, you will have to explain any program dismissals or disciplinary actions the program imposed on you. Attorney-advisor Lento and Lento Law Firm have spent years helping medical students from coast to coast fight for their place in school after being referred for disciplinary actions or dismissal. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.
