At Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Harlem campus (TouroCOM - Harlem), the faculty is dedicated to educating future doctors who understand how important it is to provide quality patient care to their communities. With such high expectations and hopes for their students, it is no wonder TouroCOM-Harlem is unbelievably competitive. Every student is vying for the top spots, but there are only so many to go around. Unfortunately, no matter how much a student wants to be a doctor, some may find it harder than expected to get through the stress of all the assignments, exams, and clinical rotations.
If you or someone you love is struggling in osteopathic medicine school, has been accused of disciplinary action, or is being referred for dismissal, an attorney-advisor can help. Call our offices today to schedule a consultation.
Academic and Professional Conduct for Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Harlem Campus
In the United States, all institutions have codes of conduct that they give to their students at the beginning of each school year. Students are supposed to follow these conduct rules exactly, or face sanctions, such as academic probation, suspension, or even dismissal. At Touro-COM Harlem, the codes of conduct cover not just their academic expectations but the students' professional responsibilities as well. These rules include:
- Maintaining patient confidentiality
- Demonstrating, and continuing to develop, interpersonal and communication skills
- Advocating for patient welfare
- Demonstrating critical evaluations skills
- Showing, and being able to apply, medical knowledge of accepted standards of clinical medicine
If a student disregards these rules, they will be referred to the Student Promotion Committee (SPC). The SPC is the official faculty committee that is responsible for assessing the progress of each student – including whether or not they have violated the code of conduct. They will make recommendations to the student about remediation plans, disciplinary actions, and dismissal hearings.
Remediation at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Harlem Campus
Universities and graduate programs understand that many students learn differently. In order to level the playing field between students who learn better in clinicals, and those who learn better in the classroom, Touro-COM Harlem offers students the ability to remediate classes, exams, and clinicals. At the end of each year, SPC will review each students' record to ensure they are navigating the program in the appropriate timeframe. If they see that a student is struggling, they will offer them a remediation program.
After the student completes their remediation program, they will be able to jump back into the program where they left off. But, if a student is unable to remediate successfully, SPC will refer them to repeat the entire year or to be dismissed from the program altogether. Additionally, there have been cases of schools letting their students fall through the cracks, failing to offer them remediation plans, and instead referring them right to dismissal. If your school has yet to offer you a remediation plan, or you were unable to remediate successfully, an attorney-advisor can help.
Dismissal Procedures for Medical Students at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Harlem
At Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Harlem campus, there are a number of reasons students can be dismissed from the program, including:
- If they have accumulated “U” grades in three or more classes
- If, while on Provisional Academic status, they fail to achieve satisfactory grades two semesters in a row
- They failed to obey the agreed upon terms of an MOU
- They have failed the board exam the maximum number of times allowed
- They are not on track to finish the osteopathic medical program within six years
If a student is referred for dismissal, they will have a chance to meet with SPC and tell their side of the story. It is important to work with an attorney-advisor from the moment you learn of the referral. An attorney-advisor will help you gather evidence and witness testimony to create a solid defense on your behalf. After this meeting, SPC will determine whether or not the dismissal is appropriate.
Appeal a Decision at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Harlem
Once SPC makes their decision, they will inform the student – usually by written notice. The student has seven days to submit their appeal to the Dean. The appeal must be made in writing and will only be reviewed if it is based on one of the following grounds:
- A conflict of interest or bias between the student and the SPC
- There was a procedural error
- There is new evidence available now that was not available before that will change the outcome of the case
The Dean will decide whether or not to uphold the SPC's decision, if it should be modified, or if it should be struck down. Whatever the decision, the appeal is final and cannot be appealed further. Remember, if you feel overwhelmed by the idea of filing an appeal, an attorney-advisor can help shoulder the burden.
How an Attorney-Advisor Can Help
When medical school gets tough, students behave in ways they normally wouldn't. Unfortunately, they fail to realize there are consequences that can last long after osteopathic medical school ends. For example, if you were sanctioned with a suspension or a dismissal, it will be memorialized on your final transcript. That means if you apply to a new school to finish your education, or to a fellowship after graduation, you will have to explain it on every application you fill out. Attorney-advisor Lento and Lento Law Firm have years of experience helping students in similar situations and can ensure you the best possible outcome for your case. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.
