In 1885, the Keck School of Medicine (KSOM) at the University of Southern California (USC) was established as a medical school associated with a county hospital. In recent years, the institution has emerged among the leaders in research and innovation on the West Coast. The school's Code of Ethics and the Commitment Statement of Professional Standards outline the standards and expectations for student academic performance, professionalism, and ethics.
Medical schools maintain high ideals for their students in academic achievement, professionalism, and integrity. Students that are in remediation and struggling to make progress or those facing potential disciplinary actions for misconduct have too much at stake. Under these circumstances, students should speak to their families and promptly retain an attorney-adviser that will assist with support and guidance. This course of action may result in minimizing harsh sanctions and long-term consequences.
KSOM Code of Professional Behavior
All students are expected to comply with the “high standards of moral character” expected within the medical profession. The Code of Professional Behavior contains three primary categories as follows:
- Honesty and integrity: Examples include truthfulness in research and reporting and consistently demonstrating ethical behavior inside or outside of the classroom
- Being responsible, reliable, and accountable: Adhering to professional responsibilities regarding punctuality, accepting responsibility for mistakes, promptly responding to official requests, and being cognizant of individual limitations
- Maintaining respect for others: Having respect for the confidentiality of all patients and being a positive contributor to the KSOM community
Potential for Dismissal
If concerns arise regarding a student's professionalism, the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs or Student Performance Committee (SPC) is responsible for investigating. Students that demonstrate a lack of professionalism may be designated as “at risk.” These “at-risk” students are subject to Professional Behavior Probation, which precedes further action such as dismissal.
Remediation
Students who fail to meet academic performance requirements may be subject to remediation course work, which may include repeating a full academic term. These students are placed on academic probation for at least one academic term. Students that are “being considered for academic dismissal” with be notified 10 days before a meeting of the Student Performance Committee. A student that is dismissed from KSOM may appeal the ruling by notifying the Vice Dean for Medical Education in writing within 10 business days.
Lawyer Provides Effective Advisory Representation for Medical Students at USC
Having a high-quality workforce of physicians in the future depends on maintaining high standards for professionalism and integrity among medical school students. Students whose academic performance fails to meet the requirements may be facing remediation. Students that are the subject of disciplinary proceedings for unprofessional conduct may face harsh sanctions including suspension or expulsion. This can create challenges that harm your prospects for residency programs, employment, and more.
Medical students that are facing dismissal or other adverse consequences that can abruptly shatter their plans must take decisive action. Retaining an experienced attorney-adviser to assist will better ensure the proper interpretation of the school's disciplinary process and this individual will act according to your best interests. Contact the office of attorney Joseph D. Lento at (888) 535-3686 for assistance.