There are three medical schools in Maryland: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine. All three of these medical schools hope to train students in not just their medical knowledge and professional responsibility but also their resiliency, adaptability, reliability, and cultural competence. As such, Maryland medical schools require their students to meet their high expectations, and in some instances, it can be hard for students not to surrender to these pressures. If you find that you are in such a situation, an attorney advisor will be able to support you.
Academic and Professionalism Policies for Maryland Medical Students
Medical schools are incredibly competitive, and it's because of this that most schools create codes of conduct they want their students to abide by. At the University of Maryland School of Medicine, like most other medical schools, the students are expected to refrain from cheating, plagiarizing, and acting dishonestly, which includes having respect for patient confidentiality and care. The University of Maryland also specifies that students aren't supposed to respond to medical situations if they lack proper training or interact with patients without letting them know they are medical students, not fully trained doctors.
If a faculty member determines that you have violated these rules in some way, you will be brought before your medical school's decision board. The name will change from school to school, but the gist is the same – they are there to review your case and make a decision on whether you should be dismissed, suspended, or required to retake an exam, course, or rotation.
It can be daunting to face board hearings such as these. You can you ask for help? Is your school on your side? An attorney advisor will be able to inform you of the appropriate steps to take to ensure you are not subject to unnecessary punishments.
Remediation at Maryland Medical Schools
In medical school, students are tested on their medical understanding and their professional abilities. If a student does not receive satisfactory grades in their clinical rotations or academic courses, some schools allow the student to remediate. Essentially, remediation is the ability to retake the course, exam, or rotation at a designated time. This also means that if the student is set on graduating at a specific time, the date of graduation may move to comply with the remediation.
At the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine, all pre-clerkship modules, required clerkships, and sub-internships are capable of being remediated. Students who need it can remediate Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE. Remediation is offered on a case-by-case basis and may not be the first choice for students caught cheating on their exams. Those students will be subject to dismissal hearings which may result in a remediation allocation.
Medical schools literally deal with life and death situations, so physicians are held to higher standards. And sometimes, without even meaning to, those standards are unattainable. If you are facing remediation problems, an attorney advisor can help encourage the university to provide you with one.
Dismissal From a Maryland Medical Program
There are many avenues outside of cheating or plagiarizing to a dismissal proceeding. In fact, there are so many that most students never think they'll find themselves before a decision board. For instance, at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, students may be brought before the board because of cheating accusations but might also be brought before them for failure to make satisfactory grades on assignments.
At most medical schools around the country, the end of the semester means student reviews. The review process is meant to determine if the student is struggling or on track for their expected graduation date. If a student is struggling multiple semesters in a row, constantly having to remediate a course of clinical clerkship, or having serious interpersonal problems with the other students, the university may recommend the student for dismissal.
Either way, the student will be given the opportunity to defend themselves in front of the dismissal decision board. Working with an attorney will ensure that you are sufficiently defended against personal hardships (like having to restart your medical career at a lesser-reputable medical school) and financial hardships (like facing the repayment of considerable loans without a physician's salary).
Appeals
There are certain due process rights that every medical school intends to afford their students. Unfortunately, these rights are sometimes glossed over during dismissal proceedings. These due process rights include asking for a grade change or being able to remediate a course, facing your accuser, having the opportunity to defend yourself from accusations, and appealing the university's dismissal decision. Additionally, when you are notified of the board's decision, the university will lay out the specifics for your appeal – what grounds you can make an appeal on, what should be included, who will oversee the appeal, and what date everything needs to be submitted on.
It's important to remember that the appeals process is the last step before being suspended or dismissed. This means it is the last chance you have to preserve your dream of graduating from this medical school and should be taken advantage of.
If you feel like you are unable to navigate this process, working with an attorney advisor can help. Attorney advisors will not only make sure the university upholds your due process rights but will help you file the appeal to the best of your ability, alleviating any anxiety you might have surrounding your future.
Further, if your appeal is denied, they will reach out to the Office of General Counsel at your medical school and negotiate for an alternative resolution on your behalf. Most of the time, these discussions have a better outcome than if you were to pursue a lawsuit against the school.
Maryland Medical Student Defense Advisor
No matter which Maryland medical school you attend, it is a fete to be admitted. You worked incredibly hard to get where you are, don't let unforeseen circumstances or high-pressure situations get in your way of graduation. If you are recommended for dismissal, remember an attorney advisor can help. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has dedicated his career to supporting students in similar situations. He and his team have years of experience protecting their clients from unwarranted dismissal. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to discuss your case or schedule a time online.
