The Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (MWUAZCOM) is a private osteopathic medical school established in 1995. Despite its location in Arizona, it is part of Midwestern University based in Chicago. The college partners with over 2,000 physicians in multiple health centers and private practices offering clinical rotations for third and fourth-year students. Due to its significant size and stellar reputation, students have many career opportunities to choose from after graduation. However, to do so, they must maintain excellent grades and demonstrate exemplary behavior.
Osteopathic medical students are under much pressure to succeed in college. Although they expect challenges and stress, keeping up with one's peers is not always easy. Due to the many expectations and rigorous curriculum, some students fall behind. Others may have good grades, but they make mistakes. Whether the issue is behavioral or academic, it can cause suspension or even expulsion from MWUAZCOM. Without the help of an attorney-advisor, they'll face significant graduation delays or, in worst-case scenarios, not graduate due to these issues.
Honesty and Integrity Policy
According to the student handbook, all students who are part of Midwestern University must maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior. Violating the Code of Rights and Responsibilities is a severe transgression that leads to sanctions such as a disciplinary warning, suspension, or dismissal. It is not unusual for a college of osteopathic medicine to have these standards. Not only is it maintaining its strong reputation, but it's also training future doctors. Since they will be in a position of public trust, they must have the knowledge and responsibility to handle confidential information and sensitive incidents involving people's health and livelihoods.
According to the handbook, ethical behavior and integrity are the core foundations of the institution. A student must take professional responsibilities seriously, and training starts when they're in medical school. While this is understandable, some students make genuine mistakes. Every student deserves due process, whether it's a lapse in judgment or unknowingly violating the rules.
Academic Issues
An osteopathic medical student's behavior isn't the only factor that affects their graduation prospects. Even if they do not have ethical violations, students must keep their grades up. Whether they're still in medical school or starting their residencies, students must improve their skills and gain knowledge to practice osteopathic medicine once they graduate.
The Preclinical Promotions Committee (PPC) and the Student Promotion and Graduation Committee determine student academic progress at MWUAZCOM. These committees include medical school instructors evaluating academic performance and deciding which students will progress to the next academic year. The PPC evaluates students during their preclinical years, while the SPGC evaluates them during their clinical years. They determine whether the student needs remedial courses before progressing to the next phase of their education.
Although remediation may be burdensome, it is one of the only ways lagging students can remain enrolled at MWUAZCOM. In other cases, a student may have external pressure that affects their college performance. An attorney-advisor can guide the student during this time, helping negotiate a better solution to decrease the likelihood of graduation delays.
Consequences of Expulsion
Being suspended or expelled severely affects an osteopathic medical student's life and future career. Although these sanctions only apply to the most egregious violations, even repeated academic issues lead to this result. Some students erroneously assume they can pick up where they left off, but it is not always this simple. Some of the issues that students face once they receive an expulsion include:
- Not being able to find another college that accepts them
- If they do find another college, they must start over
- They will lose time and effort spent on their original degree
- Suffering from reputational damage as a result of the allegations against them
- Heavy financial burdens that result from unexpected expenses
- Loss of housing, scholarships, and other privileges
- Burnout and significant stress may put a student off osteopathic medicine permanently
Due to these issues, osteopathic medical students facing allegations must take all precautions and pathways to reduce the likelihood of dismissal.
Steps to Take When Accused
When you face allegations of behavioral or academic issues, every action you take matters for the result of your case. To avoid making mistakes that can further exacerbate the problem, take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Don't discuss the issue with your peers
- Stay calm and avoid outbursts of anger
- Never retaliate against the person who made a report against you
- Avoid posting about the issue on social media
- Gather evidence and data that can help you when standing before a panel
- Speak to people who can vouch for your character and behavior
- Speak to an attorney-advisor as soon as you learn about the allegations against you
The more you wait to take action, the less likely you will have a favorable case outcome. When you speak to an attorney-advisor, you can save time and effort and have a higher chance of a fair result.
Contacting an Attorney-Advisor
Although your time at osteopathic medical school is a learning experience, you may face permanent discharge for the reasons discussed in this article. A suspension or expulsion results in a slew of problems down the road. With the reputation damage and notation on your transcript, you may not be able to find another program or an institution willing to hire you. Because of these issues, working with a seasoned attorney-advisor is necessary if you're facing a panel for behavioral or academic problems.
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento has extensive experience working with osteopathic medical students facing sanctions for competency and ethical violations. Attorney-Advisor Lento specializes in student defense and negotiates for the best possible result, reducing the chances of a negative outcome.
You worked hard and spent many nights and days training to become an osteopathic doctor at MWUAZCOM. Don't let an allegation ruin your graduation prospects and future.
Call the Lento Law Firm today for a consultation at 888-535-3686.
