The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) is a public medical school established in 1969. It grants the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree and the DO-PhD combined degree for physician-scientists. With its prestigious history and rigorous program, attending MSUCOM is quite an accomplishment, mainly since the average GPA of admitted students ranges between 3.5-3.7. With its diverse student body, notable alumni, and thorough training, students can look forward to multiple career opportunities upon graduation. However, that only applies if students maintain the highest behavioral and academic performance standards.
Being an osteopathic medical student can be difficult, especially in a competitive environment. It is precisely this sense of competition that sometimes causes students to make mistakes inadvertently. Some of these mistakes are costlier than others, whether due to the incredible amount of pressure or a lapse in judgment. These issues lead to sanctions that start with probation and end with suspension or expulsion. Without the help of an attorney-advisor, students may face considerable graduation delays or worse – permanent dismissal from their program.
Ethical and Professional Expectations at MSUCOM
The student handbook contains information about the rights and responsibilities, grading procedures, and due process at MSUCOM. As future professionals, students must maintain ethical behavior reflecting their degree of responsibility and future roles working with people under their care. These expectations exist because professionalism and ethical behavior are the core components of a doctor's personality. Anything less, and you will face significant issues down the line. To prepare you for these rigorous expectations, medical school starts to build your personality for the work ahead after graduation.
Ethical and professional behavior is necessary for every field that involves working with people. Still, it is doubly important in the health sector. Unethical behavior leads to multiple issues that include suspension and expulsion. Although these sanctions are for severe or repeated infarctions, it is still necessary to ensure they don't end up on your transcript. In other cases, allegations against your character are false or the result of bias. Regardless of what caused the issue, your chances of graduating diminish once you have a record.
Remediation Policy
Medical school is an exciting yet stressful time in every student's life. In some cases, students may not have the capacity to perform well during a semester. Even if the student is agreeable, professional, and ethical, they cannot continue if they have academic issues. Medical students may suffer from burnout in their efforts to succeed and keep up with their peers. Additionally, sometimes personal problems lead to a less-than-stellar performance academically.
MSUCOM has a remediation policy to help students overcome academic issues before progressing to the next phase of their training and education. Students at MSUCOM who receive an “N” or “No Grade” on a course may remediate it depending on their syllabus. However, despite successful remediation, the student will still have an “N” on their transcript, which may cause issues later.
Remediation is often a hassle and requires extra effort on the part of the student. Although it is one of the few ways to remain enrolled after a less-than-stellar performance, some schools ask students to take remediation courses they don't need. If in doubt, contact an attorney-advisor who can help guide you through the process or negotiate with your administrators.
Repercussions of Dismissal
Whether temporary or permanent, a dismissal from osteopathic medical school negatively affects your future. When it comes to suspension, you'll receive a notation on your transcript and face graduation delays. However, those facing expulsion have more to worry about, especially since they cannot simply pick up where they left off at another medical school. Some of the issues expelled students face include:
- Decreased enrollment chances in another medical school: Admissions officers prefer students with no prior issues that may resurface later.
- Reputation damage: As an osteopathic medical student, your reputation is everything. Being expelled for ethical violations or poor academic performance are red flags that are difficult to shake off.
- Financial Burdens: You spend thousands of dollars at medical school to get your degree. With an expulsion, financial aid, scholarships, and privileges no longer apply. You'll also need to fork out more money to relocate. These unexpected expenses add to your debt.
- Loss of time and effort: Regardless of how many semesters you completed, you will start over if you manage to find a medical school that accepts you despite the allegations.
Some students cannot face the pressure of expulsion and abandon their dreams of becoming osteopathic doctors altogether. Working with a professional attorney-advisor may help you avoid this sanction before it ruins your future career. Don't let anger or despair cloud your judgment. Avoid discussing the issue with anyone, especially peers. Most importantly, never retaliate against the person who made the report. Keep calm and focused on your next step. Don't hesitate to contact an attorney-advisor to discuss your options and approach.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
Suppose you receive notice of a professional, ethical, or academic issue at MSUCOM. In that case, every action you take can affect your graduation prospects. Don't let your emotions or hopelessness convince you that there is nothing you can do. Working with an attorney-advisor who understands what you're going through significantly improves your chances of success.
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento has years of experience working with osteopathic medical students who need help fighting damaging allegations. As a professional specializing in student discipline defense, Attorney-Advisor Lento knows what's at stake and works tirelessly for a favorable case outcome.
You worked hard and spent considerable time studying to become an osteopathic doctor at MSUCOM. Whether it's a lapse in judgment, a genuine mistake, or an out-of-character action, you still have the right to due process. Don't wait until it's too late to take action – every minute counts when your career and educational prospects are on the line.
Call the Lento Law Firm today for a thorough, discreet, and transparent discussion regarding your case at 888-535-3686.
