The Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM) opened an additional campus at the Tampa Bay Regional Campus in Clearwater, Florida, in 2019, becoming the largest medical school in the state based on enrollment statistics. In providing education to future doctors in the Southeastern U.S., NSU-KPCOM boasts some of the most progressive technology in the medical community to support their mission “dedicated to serving the medically underserved.”
Nearly one-quarter of U.S. medical students are enrolled in D.O. programs and are held to heightened academic and professional standards, with which NSU-KPCOM maintains its accreditation from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). Moreover, the school hosts best-of-class programs to prepare compassionate, respected leaders in the healthcare sector.
An immaculate academic record can open many career doors for medical school graduates. When the stakes are high, consequences from academic failures or professionalism concerns can limit a student's career prospects. If you're a medical student handling misconduct allegations, you can improve your chances of a favorable outcome by hiring an advisor with experience in student rights and medical school discipline issues.
NSU-KPCOM Academic and Professionalism Standards
Students at NSU-KPCOM must abide by the highest academic and behavioral integrity standards as stated in the Student Handbook. Medical students also have additional responsibilities found in the school's Clinical Training Manual. These guidelines establish what NSU-KPCOM expects from D.O. program students as a model for behavior and results inside and outside the classroom.
Academic Standing
The medical school divides academic standards between its first and second-year and third and fourth-year students. Students in their first two years receiving a failing grade in one or more academic courses, clinical rotations, or NBOME board examinations will be subject to academic probation. Third and fourth-year students who fail a rotation or COMLEX board examination will automatically lose their good academic standing.
Although the school requires students to progress through the program at a pre-determined rate, they also have policies to punish academic misconduct. Cheating, plagiarism, research misconduct, and engaging in academic dishonesty of any sort will quickly get you dismissed from NSU-KPCOM.
Professionalism Standards
In their Code of Behavioral Conduct, NSU-KPCOM charges its osteopathic medical students to “act honorably and ethically at all times.” Evidence of these traits depends on an individual's accountability to themselves, their relationships with other NSU-KPCOM students and personnel, and the patients for whom they provide care.
The school has rules and regulations on everything from using the correct title when addressing a superior to wearing school-appropriate attire when meeting with patients, whether in-person or via teleconference. Furthermore, behavioral guidelines stretch beyond the classroom as physicians must present themselves as worthy of public trust.
Even a lack of cultural competence or having an unsavory social media connection can get you into trouble. NSU-KPCOM seeks to protect its reputation and doesn't hesitate to send someone to the Student Progress Committee (SPC).
Disciplinary Action at NSU-KPCOM
Student progress is monitored by supervisors that will recommend redress for students with alleged academic or behavioral concerns to the SPC. Students will receive a written notice of the time, place, and subject of a disciplinary meeting, where legal representation is prohibited. Following statements provided by the student in question, witnesses, and any other evidence, the SPC will recommend to the Dean of Students how to manage the misconduct if the student is found responsible.
Various disciplinary actions that the SPC may recommend include:
- Written warning
- Probation
- Remediation
- Administrative leave of absence
- Suspension
- Dismissal
Remediation Plans at NSU-KPCOM
Typically, medical students have an opportunity to complete a remediation program to address behavioral or academic progression issues. Although it means retaking classes and exams, it also requires you to shed responsibilities that are not strictly related to medical school.
NSU-KPCOM remediation plans require students to:
- Resign from any employment at NSU
- Resign from all national, class, or club officer positions
- Step down from positions representing KPCOM
- Withdraw from all NSU classes outside the required KPCOM curriculum
If students are eligible to retake a course, exam, or be regraded during a rotation, they must also achieve a passing grade on their other academic responsibilities. Students who are unsuccessful on one or more of the first remediation examinations will be offered a second attempt by the Office of Preclinical Education (OPE) but are still accountable for missed course work or rotations. Unsuccessful students will not be granted another attempt and will be dismissed from NSU-KPCOM.
Dismissal From NSU-KPCOM
Medical students who continually fail to meet academic standards or have committed non-academic violations with repeated trips to the SPC will be dismissed from NSU-KPCOM. Separation from medical school may not only completely derail a student's career prospects but may also cause a long road of difficulties for the student moving forward.
Dismissed students may face any or all of the following:
- Challenges continuing medical education elsewhere as schools accept top candidates to matriculate, and a previously dismissed student will not be a high priority
- Loss of academic progress usually means starting from the beginning at another school
- Even if the student graduates with honors elsewhere, the previous dismissal will likely limit their career placement opportunities
- Overcoming student debt, commonly over $100,000, is onerous without the benefit of a physician's salary
Hiring Joseph D. Lento as Your NSU-KPCOM Advisor
Medical schools face pressure from accrediting boards and the public to maintain a pristine reputation. Sometimes, that pressure results in an unfair resolution for the student.
No medical student facing misconduct allegations or disciplinary proceedings should face these dire matters without the help of an experienced student defense advisor. Even if you're not allowed to have a professional represent you, they can still coach you toward giving a coherent, intelligent defense yourself.
Joseph D. Lento has years of experience in student rights and discipline matters. He and his team at the Lento Law Firm have helped medical students across the country achieve positive outcomes in student disciplinary hearings, appeals, and even brokered resolutions outside official proceedings with a school's Office of General Counsel (OGC).
There is no excuse for a future doctor to face remediation, suspension, or dismissal alone. Call the Lento Law Firm today at (888) 535-3686 to get the extra help you need or visit the online consultation form. Your future depends on it.
