If you’re like most medical school students, you spend all your time worrying about your grades. That makes sense: there’s an awful lot to learn about doctoring, and not a lot of time to do it in. Plus, your grades play an enormous role in gaining your residency.
It’s worth remembering, though, that UTSA-KCOM will work with you if you’re struggling academically. For starters, the Student Performance Committee keeps an eye on all of your coursework and will intervene early and often any time it seems like you need a boost. In fact, even if you fail courses, you’re more likely to be put in a decelerated program than to be dismissed outright. On the other hand, a single instance of unprofessional behavior can be enough to lose your spot at the college.
That means it’s crucial that you take every allegation seriously. Dismissal at ATSU-KCOM almost certainly means the end of your career in healthcare. What does it mean to take things seriously? It means getting the best help you can find. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team knows what you’re up against, and we understand the stakes in a way other attorneys don’t. We’re also familiar with ATSU-KCOM processes and procedures, and we can show you how to use the system to your advantage.
If someone at ATSU-KCOM has accused you of unprofessional behavior, don’t wait to see what might happen. Call 888-535-3686 to find out what we can do for you, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Defining Professionalism
As a society, we hold physicians in the highest esteem. We trust our doctors implicitly to take care of us and put our well-being above all other concerns. That esteem comes with some pretty high expectations. We also expect our doctors to have the very highest moral and ethical standards. We expect them to treat us well and always to act in a professional manner. These expectations begin in medical school.
The ATSU-KCOM catalog includes a copy of the Osteopathic Pledge of Commitment, which outlines how you should behave as a D.O.
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You must provide “compassionate, quality care” to all of your patients.
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You must partner with your patients to promote their health.
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You must display “integrity and professionalism” throughout your career.
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You must work to advance the field of osteopathic medicine.
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You must dedicate yourself to lifelong learning.
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You must maintain loyalty to your profession.
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You must live each day as an “example of what an osteopathic physician should be.”
It’s not enough just to follow the rules, the way you did as an undergraduate, to avoid fistfights and sexual harassment of your classmates. Wake up cranky one day and snap at a patient, and you may be done as a med student. You can’t reveal information about a patient, even accidentally. And even your personal life must be above reproach. A DUI or a charge of domestic violence can also cost you your future.
Here’s the thing: we all make mistakes, even doctors. And you’re not a doctor just yet. Making mistakes is an important part of the learning process. The LLF National Law Firm doesn’t believe a mistake should ruin your chances at a D.O. degree. And while ATSU-KCOM may have become your adversary, we’re always on your side and ready to fight for your best interests.
Defense Procedures
Ultimately, the Student Performance Committee makes all decisions about your progress in the osteopathic program. This committee meets every semester to review all of your work. It also handles allegations of ethical violations and professional lapses.
However, this committee relies on the college’s Standards and Ethics Board to investigate and adjudicate allegations of misconduct. By the time your case reaches the Performance Committee, you’ll likely have already been found responsible for an offense. The trick, then, is to know how to defend yourself before the SEB.
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When someone lodges a complaint against you, the college Dean is tasked with conducting an investigation. You’ll know you are under investigation because you’ll receive formal notice of the charges against you. This notice should describe the nature of the complaint and include a list of all your due process rights.
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As part of the investigation, you are entitled to explain your side of the story. You may submit evidence to the dean and suggest witnesses for them to interview. In addition, the dean must allow you to review any evidence they uncover.
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Assuming the investigation determines that the charge against you has merit, the case moves to a hearing. At the hearing, both sides offer evidence, including witness testimony. Because you are presumed innocent, though, your most important job is usually to challenge the evidence being presented against you.
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The Board makes its determination based on the legal standard “the preponderance of the evidence.” According to this standard, you are responsible for an offense if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
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Finally, if you are found “responsible,” you have the right to appeal that outcome. In most cases, that means either that the university made some procedural error in your case, a new piece of evidence has come to light, or the SEB has recommended a sanction that is more severe than your offense warrants.
Of course, if you’re found responsible, you may also plead your case to the Student Performance Committee. Generally speaking, though, at this point, you’re only allowed to make a brief statement mitigating your responsibility.
This process can be daunting. Keep in mind, though, that you’re not going through it alone. The LLF National Law Firm will be at your side from the moment you’re charged until you’ve exhausted your last appeal. We can help you find evidence and draft your hearing presentations. We can coach you in talking with investigators and help you come up with questions for witnesses. Our most important job, though, is to make sure you’re treated fairly and that ATSU-KCOM respects all of your due process rights.
How Can We Help?
The LLF National Law Firm knows what’s at stake in a way other firms just don’t. The attorneys who make up our Student Defense Team have dedicated their lives to ensuring schools treat students fairly, and they care about your future. No one else has the knowledge of campus justice they do. No one else can show you how to use the system to your advantage.
If you’re being forced to fight for your educational future, don’t try to handle the situation yourself, and don’t trust your case to a local attorney. Find out more about what the LLF National Law Firm can do by calling 888-535-3686, or take time right now to fill out our online questionnaire.