The Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) is a relatively new institution. The school broke ground on its state-of-the-art facility at New Mexico State University in 2015. 2020 marked the graduation of the inaugural class. BCOM's commitment to medical education, though, is no different from any other premier medical school, even those that have been around for a century or more.
The medical profession demands discipline and integrity. Doctors are on-call round the clock; they must be dedicated to lifelong learning; they must be tirelessly committed to improving the health of all of us. It should not be surprising, then, that a school like Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine holds its students to the highest standards of academic and professional achievement. Its job is to prepare graduates for their futures.
In fact, BCOM's expectations can be daunting, even to an advanced med school student. After all, none of us are perfect. If you've made a mistake, or if you're being held accountable for a mistake you didn't make, you shouldn't allow it to put your career in jeopardy. You've come too far, and too much is at stake. If you find yourself in a situation like this, it's important you know there is help out there. An attorney who specializes in student defenses might be exactly what you need to safeguard your future.
Academic Standards at BCOM
Obviously, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine expects you to excel as a student. A medical school isn't like an undergraduate program. No medical school can long survive if it doesn't produce competent medical professionals.
As a result, the Student Performance Committee (SPC) keeps a continual eye on your progress. The SPC decides whether or not you can move forward each semester and has the power to assign you remediation, put you on probation, or even dismiss you if you're struggling academically.
Luckily, you do have the right to defend your record. BCOM allows you to present your case before the SPC and to have an attorney help you do it. In addition, you have the right to appeal the SPC's decision to the Dean.
Maintaining Professional Standards
BCOM doesn't just want you to excel as a student. They also expect that you will uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. This goes beyond just being a good colleague or even treating patients with dignity and respect. It extends into your personal behavior and private life. You're expected, for instance, to abide by the law, use social media responsibly, and be a good citizen.
Just as the SPC handles all academic matters, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and the Student Conduct Committee (SCC) deal with all disciplinary matters. Sanctions can include anything from a warning to probation, suspension, or dismissal. Here again, you have the right to defend yourself if you face an accusation of misconduct or if you believe a proposed sanction is too severe. The SCC holds formal hearings at which you are allowed to present evidence. You can also appeal the SCC's decision to the Dean of the College.
Why Would You Need an Attorney?
You're a medical school student. You're smart, you're capable, and you know what's expected of you. Why would you ever need an attorney?
The fact is, medical schools do sometimes get things wrong. Students can and do get falsely accused. Maybe you did make a mistake, but the school is trying to punish you too severely. Whether you're facing a big problem or a small one, hiring an attorney to serve as your student advisor can often get things back on track. A qualified attorney can help your resolve a number of issues:
- Remediation: If you've failed a class or done consistently poorly on a subject, the SPC may recommend remediation. This is a useful safety net that allows you to catch up if you should fall behind. However, remediation takes time, and it usually costs money. You may have other options, like appealing your original grade. The SPC, though, may not tell you about these options. An attorney who knows how your school operates will and they will guide you through the processes.
- Cleaning up your transcript: Remediation and other kinds of sanctions can often show up on your academic record. Even a warning can mar an otherwise stellar transcript and cause you problems when it comes time to establish your career. An attorney may have suggestions for cleaning up your record.
- Dealing with dismissal: Of course, the most serious sanction you can face is dismissal. If you're forced to leave school, you'll find it difficult to enroll anywhere else. Even if you do find another spot, your dismissal will likely appear on your academic record. If you don't enroll anywhere else, you can expect your student loans to come due immediately. An attorney can help you craft a defense strategy, can help you present your case to the SPC or SCC, and can assist you with writing documents.
Not just any attorney will do, though. You need an attorney who's familiar with medical schools, someone who knows the procedures and can help guide you through complex judicial processes.
How Can Joseph D. Lento Help You?
Joseph D. Lento is a fully-licensed, fully-qualified defense attorney. His work extends well beyond the courtroom, though. Joseph D. Lento built his practice defending students' rights and helping them get justice. Joseph D. Lento has represented hundreds of medical students as a legal advisor. He's practiced in dealing with faculty and administrators. Joseph D. Lento can negotiate a deal if you're looking to salvage your career but make no mistake: Joseph D. Lento is a fighter. He's ready and willing to stand up for you and make sure your school treats you fairly.
If you're facing a sanction from your medical school, don't wait. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686 or use our automated online form.
