At the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM), students are expected to learn essential primary care, problem solve in collaboration with their peers and faculty, and achieve academic, professional, and personal success. They are committed to training compassionate physicians who are focused on positively impacting their communities through healthcare. It is no wonder some students find it hard to thrive in an environment with such high standards. If you or someone you love has been accused of violating the program's code of conduct, has failed a remediation plan, or is being seen for a dismissal hearing because of some other reason, Lento Law Firm can help. Call our offices today.
Academic and Professional Conduct for University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
Medical schools expect their students to abide by a certain code of conduct, which is usually found in the school's student handbook. This code of conduct stipulates how the students should behave, both academically and professionally, including:
- Having respect for their peers, faculty, and patients
- Aspiring to the highest ethical and moral standards in every endeavor
- Demonstrating compassion and sensitivity for those they interact with
- Following certain social media guidelines
- Refraining from hazing or other abusive behavior
- Abstaining from bullying or cyberbullying, discriminating, or intimidating other students, faculty, or patients
- Staying away from any type of retaliation or inappropriate conduct
- Maintaining satisfactory grades
- Upholding academic integrity, i.e., not cheating, plagiarizing, or fabricating information on an assignment
Violators of this code will be referred to the Student Progress Committee (SPC) or the Conduct Review Board for disciplinary action, including dismissal hearings. Having an experienced attorney-advisor by your side during these proceedings will ensure you do not suffer unnecessary punishments.
Remediation at University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
At the end of every academic year, medical students are evaluated by the SPC to ensure they are progressing at the right pace. If they determine that a student is struggling to pass their courses, or has failed a course, assignment, or exam, they will offer to create a remediation plan for the student. Then, during the summer after the academic year, the student will retake the course, exam, or assignment with the hope that when they pass, they will be able to rejoin their cohort.
Sometimes, students are unable to successfully complete their remediation plan. In these cases, the student will be referred for dismissal or forced to retake the entire year of courses – this is decided on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, there are times when students are not offered a remediation plan at all. Instead, they are sent straight to a dismissal hearing. If this has been your experience, call Lento Law Firm today. You have specific due process rights, and an attorney-advisor can ensure these rights are upheld by your program.
Dismissal Procedures for Medical Students at University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
Students at UIWSOM can be dismissed from the program for a number of reasons, including:
- Failing to get certain vaccinations by certain dates
- Failing to maintain satisfactory grades
- Failing to follow the rules of an Unsatisfactory Standing decision
- Failing the NREMT exam for the third time
- Failing to successfully remediate a year during Phase I
- Failing a core clerkship a second time
- Getting three or more grades of “Subject to Remediation” in any core clerkships
- Getting two or more grades of “Subject to Remediation” in any core clerkship and one grade of “Fail” in any core clerkship
- Getting two or more grades of “Fail” in any core clerkship
When these students are referred for dismissal, they will have the opportunity to present evidence and witness testimony to the SPC in an attempt to protect their place in the program. The SPC will review the defense and determine whether or not the student should be allowed to stay. This decision will be sent to you in writing as soon as it is made.
Appeal a Decision at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
Once the SPC has notified you of its decision, you have the right to appeal it if you do not agree with it. Your appeal must be made to the UIWSOM Dean within five business days of receiving the decision. The Dean will review it and decide whether or not to uphold the SPC's decision, modify it, or make an alternative decision. The Dean also can create an ad hoc committee to re-examine the original issue and make a different recommendation.
The appeal will be decided on within 30 days of being received. Whatever the decision of the Dean or the ad hoc committee, it is final and cannot be appealed further. And remember, an appeal is an incredibly important part of your defense. If the idea of filing one is overwhelming, reach out to Lento Law Firm for help. We can help ease that burden and ensure you have every chance to protect your place in medical school.
Why You Should Work With an Attorney-Advisor
Medical school is extremely competitive. Students are fighting to get in, fighting to stay, and fighting to graduate at the top of their class. You never consider the possibility of being dismissed for a code of conduct violation or a remediation plan failure. And unfortunately, dismissals and suspensions tend to be noted on your final transcripts, so even if you do apply to a new school to continue your education, it may be harder to get in.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento and Lento Law Firm have spent years helping medical students in similar situations. They not only have a firm understanding of the law but the specific policies and procedures that govern your medical school. Without the help of an attorney-advisor, you run the risk of being punished unnecessarily. Attorney Lento will know how to best present your defense, guaranteeing you the best possible outcome. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.
