Avalon University School of Medicine (AUSOM), formerly Xavier University School of Medicine, is a Caribbean medical school established in 2003. This private institution offers a four-year medical program and recently received accreditation status in 2019 by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). AUSOM also enjoys accreditation by the Accreditation Commission of the Colleges of Medicine (ACCM).
AUSOM's diverse student community and aesthetically pleasing location in Curacao are a few reasons why the school is a popular choice for students. Moreover, AUSOM does not charge high tuition fees and is one of the most affordable in the region. Although AUSOM is not as competitive as other medical schools, students must maintain strict professional standards and high academic performance. These are necessary to receive their degrees and begin residencies in US institutions. Those who cannot keep up could face graduation delays or sanctions that have long-term effects on their future.
Issues with Caribbean Medical Schools
Caribbean medical schools are usually for-profit organizations established to appeal to US students. Although dozens of these medical schools dot the Caribbean, not all have accreditation status. Although these medical schools are good options for students who could not find placement in American medical schools, there are a few points to consider. The most significant is that many believe that these schools do not adequately prepare students for the rigors of becoming a doctor.
Due to the lower competition to enter these schools, students may find it easier to start a program in a Caribbean medical school than one in the US. However, Caribbean medical schools also have unique issues – mainly, that students rarely find excellent opportunities due to the less rigorous standards of these schools. For example, some Caribbean medical schools like AUSOM do not require that students take or submit the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Although this may be a temporary point of attraction, the repercussions may cost them a career, especially if they cannot find a residency match of their choice in the future.
Regardless of what brought you to Avalon University School of Medicine and what professional opportunities may lay ahead of you, your primary focus should be resolving your medical school issue. You've made a sizable investment in medical school—including time, effort, and money—and it's time to protect that investment.
Academic Performance and Honor Policy
AUSOM students must demonstrate consistent proficiency in their coursework and develop technical standards to progress to the next phase of their curriculum. Although admission standards may not be particularly rigorous, students must still maintain passing grades once registered. Those who have academic issues may face sanctions which include failing a grade, exam, or semester. However, it is not only academic performance that requires effort – students must also behave ethically and professionally in a manner befitting their future profession.
AUSOM students must commit to ethical principles and maintain appropriate conduct and behavior. Those who face academic and professionalism issues must face the Promotions Committee, which establishes guidelines and places students under probation for sub-par performance. The Promotions Committee also decides on dismissals and manages the appeals process.
Remediation
Fortunately, students experiencing academic issues have a chance to improve their performance at AUSOM. Students can also appeal their grades if they believe that errors occurred within the grading system. As for the school's NBME Exams, students have three attempts to meet the criteria and begin clinical rotations. Those who fail all three attempts may not continue the program.
Although remediation is an inconvenient option for students, it is the only way to remain enrolled without withdrawing from medical school or facing dismissal. It's necessary to note that there are instances where medical school administrators make mistakes and force students to undergo remediation. In these cases, the guidance of an attorney-advisor is crucial to fight for the student and prevent them from wasting time and money.
Consequences of Expulsion
Expulsion from a Caribbean medical school can have catastrophic consequences on the life and future of the student. Although medical students studying in the US may have a chance to find another program away from the mainland, those already attending may not find such opportunities elsewhere. Dismissal is not a simple process and takes an egregious violation or chronic underperformance. Some of the issues that medical students face after receiving an expulsion include:
- Reputation damage
- Receiving a notation of expulsion on the student's transcript
- The inability to find another medical school for placement
- Removal from student housing
- Significant debt due to unexpected finances
- Finding another school but having to start the program over
- Stress and being discouraged from pursuing a medical degree
Although expulsion is a reality in medical school, administrations give students a chance to defend themselves against allegations. AUSOM is no exception. However, students must be diligent about speaking to an advisor as soon as they learn of the charges against them. The longer students wait to talk to a professional, the less likely they can avoid this harsh sanction and save their degree.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
No student enters medical school expecting that they may one day face adverse consequences or sanctions that threaten their career. However, a lot can go wrong, and even a simple mistake can end a student's dream of becoming a doctor. When facing a possibility of expulsion or sanctions, a student's best option is to contact an attorney-advisor like Joseph D. Lento. An experienced attorney-advisor understands how medical school administrations operate and guides students with the best strategy to increase their chances of success and reach their goal of becoming doctors.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento understands what is at stake and helps students best navigate complex and high-stakes administrative proceedings and potential appeals processes. With his years of experience assisting medical students in Caribbean schools to seek rightful outcomes and justice, Attorney Lento identifies when procedural errors and bias cloud administrative judgment. Don't let a mistake, lapse in judgment, or academic issues prevent you from becoming a doctor. With Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm by your side, your chances of a favorable case outcome increase significantly.
If you or a loved one face a medical school academic or professional concern, or receive notice of a sanction or expulsion from AUSOM – don't wait until it's too late. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to discuss your next steps confidently and discreetly.
