At Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (WesternU/COMP), students are expected to be innovative, resilient, and fully prepared to enter the medical profession. As an osteopathic medical school, they believe that their students should become familiar with modern medicine and alternative therapeutic modalities to provide the best care for their patients. With such high standards to meet, it's no wonder some students have a hard time progressing through the program at the pace the school suggests.
When students are accused of violating these progression rules or of other disciplinary actions, their future is on the line. To protect your place in medical school and your future in the medical profession, call Lento Law Firm today.
Academic and Professional Conduct for Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
At WesternU/COMP, students are expected to abide by certain academic and professional standards. These expectations can be found in the student handbook and include:
- Following the university's dress code
- Building a sense of mutual trust with their colleagues, professors, instructors, and patients
- Communicate in a way that upholds the trust and respect for the members of the osteopathic community
- Refrain from bribing their colleagues, faculty, staff, or patients for personal favors
- Maintain patient confidentiality
- Refrain from sharing, posting, or releasing confidential or private information
- Maintain HIPAA regulations
- Interact with patients in a respectful and dignified way
- Refrain from using alcohol or controlled substances while attending an extra-curricular professional event
- Maintain academic integrity and abstain from committing plagiarism, cheating, or fabricating information
If a WesternU/COMP student violates these expectations in any way, they will be referred to the Student Performance Committee (SPC). The SPC will review the student's file and decide whether the student should be referred for a disciplinary action, dismissal hearing, or a remediation plan meeting. An attorney-advisor can help you create the best possible defense to present at these hearings and ensure you are not being punished unfairly.
Remediation at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Most students learn differently, but schools tend to teach one particular methodology. In medical school, students are given every opportunity to succeed, especially when they learn differently. At the end of each academic year, the SPC will review the files of every student in the medical program. If they notice that a student failed a course or is having a hard time with their clinicals, they will refer them for a remediation plan.
Instances when a WesternU/COMP student is required to remediate:
- If they fail a single block or course and have no failures throughout the prior academic year
- If they fail a single block or course and failed a course the prior academic year
- If they fail the COMLEX-USA
Remediation plans are usually executed in the summer between academic years. Once a student has sufficiently completed their remediation plan, they will be allowed to return to their cohort and continue in the program. If they are unable to remediate, they may be referred for dismissal from the program.
Dismissal Procedures for Medical Students at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
There are several reasons a student can be dismissed from WesternU/COMP, including academic integrity issues, like cheating or plagiarism, disciplinary issues like unruly and disruptive behavior, substance abuse, and remediation issues. Other issues include:
- Failing a single block or course during an academic year where you are repeating coursework
- Failing two different rotations
- Failing a repeated rotation
- Failing any of the COMLEX levels three times
If a WesternU/COMP student is referred for dismissal, the SPC will notify them of a dismissal hearing. During this hearing, you must present evidence and witness testimony to defend yourself. Once the SPC has heard all of the evidence, they will decide whether dismissal from the program is appropriate.
Appeal a Decision at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
After the SPC has notified you of their decision, you have the right to appeal it to the SVP/Provost. The instructions for your appeal will be included in the decision letter you receive. They will also be specified in your university catalog. You will have five working days to make your appeal. Appeals can only be made on the following grounds:
- There was a bias that affected the outcome of the case.
- There is new evidence available that was not available at the time of the original decision that will alter the outcome.
- There was a procedural error that unfairly affected the outcome of the matter.
The SVP/Provost will review the appeal and, within ten working days, determine whether the original decision should be upheld, reversed, reviewed again, or modified. Whatever their decision, it is final and cannot be appealed further.
Why Work With an Attorney-Advisor
When you are facing dismissal, a disciplinary action, or a remediation plan hearing, you are focused on the current moment, not the consequences that can occur if the meeting does not go your way. Unfortunately, many students are blindsided by these consequences because they fail to sufficiently prepare for their meetings, believing they can just “wing it” and end up on top.
The reality is, if you are unsuccessful in these meetings, the punishments will follow you for years to come. For instance, if you are dismissed or suspended, those punishments are noted on your final transcript. If you try to attend another medical school or apply for a post-grad fellowship, you will have to explain the notations on every admissions application, potentially making it harder to gain admission.
Attorney-advisors are your best bet to guarantee you a positive outcome for your case. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and Lento Law Firm will work meticulously and tirelessly to defend you, gathering evidence and witnesses to testify on your behalf. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online. You do not have to struggle to defend yourself on your own. Lento Law Firm can help.
