Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia (PCOM-Georgia) hopes to train and graduate physicians who are as committed to life-long learning and quality patient care as they are. Their students are prepared to practice medicine in small communities who may not see doctors regularly. With such realities at stake, it is no wonder PCOM-Georgia is not only competitive but expects a lot out of its students. Students who find it hard to succeed in such an environment may begin to behave in ways they normally wouldn't. If you have found yourself in a similar situation, and the school is referring you for disciplinary action or a dismissal hearing, an attorney-advisor can help shoulder some of the burden of defending yourself. Call our offices today to schedule a consultation.
Academic and Professional Conduct for Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia Campus
Similar to most institutions, whether they are high schools, colleges, or graduate schools, PCOM-Georgia gives its students a handbook each year. In this handbook are specific academic and professional responsibilities the students are expected to maintain. If a student violates these rules, they could be punished. The conduct rules include:
- Being courteous and polite to patients, faculty, hospital staff, and their peers
- Safeguarding patient confidentiality
- Upholding satisfactory grades
- Assessing and embracing scientific evidence in their patient care
- Cultivating their interpersonal and communication skills
- Acknowledging when a patient requires urgent care
- Getting informed consent for tests and procedures from patients or their guardians
- Developing lifelong learning habits
When a student disregards these rules, they will be referred to the Student Progress & Evaluation Committee (SPEC). SPEC is in charge of deciding whether a student should be offered a remediation plan, if they should be disciplined for their behavior, or if they should be dismissed from the program instead.
Remediation at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Georgia Campus
Most graduate schools understand that all students learn differently. As such, they offer several ways for students to thrive. To ensure that each student's strengths are being considered, students are given a chance to remediate a course, clinical, or exam. SPEC will review the student's records at the end of the academic year to determine who is progressing in the program. If they notice a student is having a hard time maintaining their grades, they will suggest a remediation program. Furthermore, if a student is unable to pass more than ten pre-clerkship credits in the first or second year, they may have to repeat the entire year.
When the student finally remediates the course, exam, or clinical, they can matriculate back into the program. But, if they are unable to remediate successfully, SPEC will refer them for dismissal. Thus, fighting for a remediation plan that is achievable is incredibly important. An attorney-advisor can help ensure the school provides you with one.
Dismissal Procedures for Medical Students at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia Campus
Medical students are held to higher standards than other graduate students because physicians are held to higher standards than most other professions. Students in these programs literally hold life in their hands. At PCOM-Georgia, students are supposed to retain both academic comprehension and become proficient in professional responsibility. Because of this, they can be referred for dismissal by SPEC for a number of reasons, including:
- Failing ten or more pre-clerkship course credits in the first or second year or failing two clerkships during their fourth year
- Committing academic misconduct – like cheating or plagiarism
- Being found responsible for a Title IX violation or another type of sexual misconduct
The SPEC will arrange a meeting with the student so that they can present facts and evidence to prove their side of the story. After the hearing, SPEC will go back over the referral for dismissal and the student's evidence to decide whether the student should be dismissed from the osteopathic medical school program. It is important to reach out to an attorney the moment you learn of these proceedings so that you receive the best defense you possibly can. Attorney-advisors possess the experience of being trained to understand the law and have the experience, combined with the understanding of the intricacies of college proceedings.
Appeal a Decision at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
When SPEC comes to their decision, they will notify the student – usually by mail. Normally, if you have to make your appeal rather quickly - between 5 and 10 days from receiving the notice. The decision letter will list specific instructions for how to appeal. Ordinarily, appeals must be made for particular reasons, like:
- There was a conflict of interest or bias between the student and SPEC
- The sanctions imposed were too severe and should be modified given the nature of the accusation
- There is new evidence available now that was not available before that will change the outcome of the case
SPEC will review the appeal and most likely send it to another body of people to review. That unbiased group will then determine if the SPEC ruling should be upheld, struck down, or modified. Now, if filing an appeal sounds unpleasant and stressful, let our attorneys shoulder some of that burden for you. Appeals are incredibly important as they are your last chance to convey your side of the story and preserve your dream of becoming a doctor.
How a Skilled Attorney-Advisor Can Help
Going to osteopathic medical school is hard enough without having to worry about what a disciplinary charge or dismissal might do to your chances of a fruitful career. Unfortunately, any mar on your transcripts will have to be explained if you try to apply to things like a fellowship or another osteopathic medical school to finish your education. Attorneys at the LLF Law Firm have spent years helping medical students in similar situations. They will organize a strong defense on your behalf that is sure to guarantee your place in medical school goes unharmed. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.
