Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (MUJCESOM) is a diverse institution that promotes medical research and emphasizes patient care and biomedical studies. MUJCESOM differs from other medical schools in West Virginia by not associating with research and referral hospitals. Instead, the patient-centric training occurs within the facilities of the university and through community resources.
Students attending MUJCESOM can expect a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for the pressures of their future profession. However, they must master their coursework to progress to more intense phases of their education. Not only academics but conduct and professional behavior matter at MUJCESOM. Severe infarctions or chronic academic issues cause obstacles that prevent students from actualizing their dreams of becoming doctors.
Academic and Professionalism Standards Committee
According to the MUJCESOM honor system and policy, students must pledge to uphold high academic and professional integrity standards. The institution appoints the Academic and Professionalism Standards Committee to review all student academics and behavior issues. The committee has the jurisdiction to make promotions or take action in the event of academic underperformance or professional misconduct.
Although students are under tremendous pressure to succeed, they must maintain good academic standing and ethics or face dismissal. Before this step, students receive academic probation, meeting with the Dean of Student Affairs and the Office of Academic support to work on a plan to improve their grades.
However, some students may be facing unique and challenging personal circumstances that prevent them from performing their best. Without the right strategy, students may have to retake a course and delay graduation.
Professionalism concerns may also lead to a dismissal, depending on the severity of the infraction. As with academic issues, some students may not have the ability to defend against allegations appropriately. Although students can argue their case before a panel, they will not have the experience to craft the best defense strategy to protect against alleged violations, placing their degree at stake.
Remediation Policy
Students at MUJCESOM receive a regular review of their grades to ensure they remain in good academic standing. As for students experiencing issues, they must meet with the Academic and Professionalism Standards Committee and the Dean to work on a remediation plan to improve their grades.
Although remediation may be necessary to maintain the school's standards and keep students enrolled, administrators may be too harsh or unfairly single out the student. Students who do not receive a satisfactory grade while under probation may receive immediate permanent dismissal. Fortunately, MUJCESOM allows students to challenge a harsh committee sanction or dismissal through its appeals process.
Students may appeal the committee's decision by sending an appeal letter to the Office of Medical Education. The student must include supporting documents or evidence for the appeal. Students may also further appeal to MUJCESOM's Second Level Appeals Committee, comprised of high-ranking chairs, section heads, and deans at the institution. For final appeals, students may send a request to the Dean of the School of Medicine.
Repercussions of Permanent Dismissal
Expulsion has far-reaching consequences on a student's future and is usually the last-resort option that MUJCESOM imposes. Permanent dismissal doesn't just temporarily set students back – it may deter them from pursuing a medical degree altogether. Some of the issues that students may face after discharge include:
- Having the expulsion charge listed permanently on their transcript
- Difficulties finding placement in another medical school due to stringent admissions standards
- Reputation damage if the expulsion is the byproduct of a professional or ethical violation
- If the student does find another medical school, they cannot pick up where they left off
- Students may lose semesters or even years of effort due to having to start over in another school
- Financial difficulties arising from unexpected expenses
- The inability to apply for a scholarship at another school due to the expulsion charge on their record
- Loss of housing, financial aid, and access to some facilities
- Limited options in the state of West Virginia due to the low number of local medical schools
- Loss of thousands of dollars and potential debt that takes years to pay off
Whether the expulsion is due to academic issues or professional misconduct, medical students and their families have much to lose when a permanent dismissal is imminent. Although students can undergo the process alone, the stress and insecurity of not having a solid defense strategy can further affect their performance.
Students are under the mercy of uncaring panels that often use the student as an example for others. Moreover, administrators and boards are not immune to mistakes. They may not have the correct information to make such a significant decision that seriously impacts a student's life. These scenarios are some of the reasons why students and their families must consider hiring a professional attorney-advisor who can help them navigate this complex and stressful process.
Hiring an Attorney
When a student's degree and future career are on the line, they need the help of an attorney well-versed in medical school administrative processes. Attorney Joseph D. Lento works with medical students nationwide to increase the likelihood of receiving a favorable outcome for an academic issue or professional misconduct charge. With Mr. Lento's help, students are less likely to fall prey to bias, procedural errors, or face harsh sanctions due to a misunderstanding or temporary issue.
Attorney-Advisor Lento understands the considerable pressure that medical students face and the constant stress they navigate. With his unflinching approach and attention to detail, advisor Lento supports students facing allegations of academic underperformance or ethical infractions, allowing them to seek justice.
Your dream of becoming a doctor doesn't have to come crashing down due to academic issues or a misconduct allegation. If you or a loved one receive a notice of potential dismissal from MUJCESOM, don't wait until it's too late to make a difference.
Call the Lento Law Firm today for a confidential consultation at 888-535-3686.
