Established in 2016, the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) is a private for-profit medical school located in Meridian, Ohio. It has an affiliation with Ohio State University. The college offers graduate-level training for the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO degree). DO students receive high-quality training relevant to their future careers' the medical and surgical components of their future careers. After completing their programs, those who have unblemished transcripts and graduate from ICOM with high grades have multiple career opportunities to look forward to later.
Although getting into an osteopathic medical school is a substantial achievement, finishing the program is the desired result. However, it's quite a challenge to train as a doctor. The heavy workload and responsibilities you have can easily cause you to make mistakes and lapses in judgment. Although these are normal byproducts of your training, some violations are more severe than others. Whether it's professional or ethical issues or lack of academic growth, you face sanctions that can upend your plans. Without the help of an experienced attorney-advisor, you'll experience an increased likelihood of temporary or permanent dismissal.
Honor Code at ICOM
ICOM strongly emphasizes proper conduct for all its DO students. Because a doctor is in a position of public trust and is essential to population health, they must consistently demonstrate ethical and professional behavior. The most recent Student Handbook contains the Honor Code that applies to all students at the college. It states that all students must act ethically, a principle that allows them to flourish in an environment that relies on mutual trust, intellectual honesty, and professionalism.
The code includes a list of actions that constitute violations, including the penalties imposed for committing them. Those who suspect that a DO student is committing violations must file a written report to the ICOM Office of the Dean. It may take up to two weeks for the Dean to complete the procedure relating to violations. The Dean then decides the best course of action to remedy the situation, including assigning sanctions.
Academic Issues and Remediation
Although professionalism and ethical behavior are necessary to stay enrolled at ICOM and be a good physician later, good grades are just as important. Students who struggle academically cannot graduate, as their future profession deals with people's health and livelihood. However, those who are temporarily struggling with their grades do have the option of remediation.
Remediation is not a comprehensive solution for a medical student that experiences chronic academic issues. It calls for extra time and expenses, not to mention graduation delays in some cases. Although remediation may be an inconvenient option, it may be the only one left for a student before facing dismissal for poor performance.
Expulsion and Dismissal
One of the most damaging issues that a medical student faces is a temporary dismissal or expulsion. Suspended students must wait to complete their degree, disrupting their plans and causing unavoidable graduation delays. Additionally, they will have a questionable gap on their transcript that they must explain to potential employers and administrators. Although a suspension is not as severe as an expulsion, it significantly impacts your reputation. On the other hand, expulsion is a much more harsher reality that some students face. Although college administrations do not impose this sanction unless the issue is severe, mistakes still happen, and innocent students suffer.
Some of the issues that a student experiences once they receive a permanent dismissal include:
- Transcript Notation: Expelled and suspended students usually have a negative notation on their permanent transcript that they must present to other colleges or employers.
- Loss of Time and Effort: Medical school is one of the most rigorous types of colleges in the US and the world. You spend years studying and preparing for examinations. You lose all of that effort with expulsion and may need to start over.
- Financial Losses: Medical school isn't cheap. Expelled students lose thousands of dollars spent on their education. An expulsion also incurs unexpected expenses as you must now scramble to find housing or move back home.
- Reputational Damage: You will experience reputational damage with an expulsion. The sanction affects your future and career options.
- Trouble Finding Placement: Admissions officers prefer student applications that don't have significant issues. Expelled students may not find placement in a new school if it's competitive.
An expulsion or suspension has adverse and long-lasting effects on your future. When you face accusations that come with a potential for permanent dismissal, it's time to speak to a seasoned professional with years of experience.
How to React After an Accusation
Suppose you receive notice of an accusation against you for professionalism and ethical issues or academic underperformance. In that case, you must act quickly and intelligently. Some steps you can take include:
- Stay calm, and do not let anger or fear paralyze you from taking action
- Do not talk about the issue with peers or people unrelated to the case
- Never retaliate against the person filing the report
- Monitor your social media use and avoid incriminating posts
- Contact a skilled attorney-advisor for the best results
Facing an accusation at ICOM may be stressful and daunting, but you don't have to experience it alone. Working with a professional may lead to a better case outcome.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento specializes in student defense and understands what you're going through during this time. With years of experience handling cases nationwide, Attorney-Advisor Lento is a shoulder to rely on when your case seems complex and hopeless.
You spent years, effort, and money studying to become an osteopathic doctor. Don't let an allegation prevent you from actualizing your dreams. Every student makes mistakes and experiences lapses in judgment from time to time.
If you or someone you care for faces allegations of professionalism issues, academic issues, or ethical violations, it's not too late. Contact the Lento Law Firm today for a confidential and discreet consultation at 888-535-3686.
