The Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) is a private medical school established in 2010. MU-COM is the first osteopathic medical school to open inside a Roman Catholic University affiliated with the Sisters of St. Francis Oldenburg. Despite its relatively recent establishment, it holds the position of the second medical school in Indiana state. It trains students to receive their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree once they graduate. MU-COM equips its students with the knowledge and tools they need to become compassionate, knowledgeable, and committed professionals. However, students must demonstrate professional and academic competence befitting their future careers to remain enrolled.
If you're a medical student, you know the challenges of attending osteopathic medical school and the pressure that you're under to succeed. During this time, you'll experience many new challenges and events that shape your personality and help you overcome the most stressful aspects of being a doctor. However, you must always behave professionally and ensure you're on top of your grades. Although you will make mistakes, some are costlier than others and can set you back semesters behind. In worst-case scenarios, you may not graduate with a particularly egregious allegation.
Professionalism Issues at MU-COM
MU-COM has a moral duty to ensure that students “meet at least the minimum standards for competence, appropriate behavior, and professionalism” expected of osteopathic physicians at graduation.” The student handbook for MU-COM students contains essential information regarding what constitutes a professional violation. The code of conduct and ethics is part of this manual, describing the standard of conduct and the MU-COM's policies and procedures.
MU-COM established the Student Promotion and Academic Progress Committee to maintain and enforce compliance. The committee gauges each student's competency, behavior, and professionalism. It requires them to meet a minimum standard to progress to the next phase of their training and education. Having such a policy is understandable, as the school's reputation and professional standing are at stake with every new graduate with questionable motives.
Remediation
Even the most ethical and well-behaved osteopathic medicine student must demonstrate a firm understanding of the material taught. As future doctors, students are in a position of public trust and hold the health and lives of their patients in their hands. If a student does not perform well, they may need to take remediation courses to stay on par with the level of their colleagues.
Although remediation may be a hassle and an inconvenience, it is critical to remain enrolled at MU-COM if a student falters academically. However, this fluctuation may be due to multiple issues, including stress or personal circumstances. The pressure to stay ahead gets to even the best student, and mistakes may happen. In such cases, an attorney-advisor may help negotiate with your panel to decrease the likelihood of receiving probationary status due to academic issues.
Receiving a Suspension or Expulsion
One of the most challenging aspects of attending medical school is the possibility of suspension or expulsion. Whether it's because of behavioral or academic problems, the result has adverse effects on a student's life, and they can be permanent. Some of the issues that expelled or suspended students face include:
- Not being able to find another medical school to accept them since admissions officers prefer students with unblemished records
- A notice on their transcript that can pose professional issues in the future
- Reptation damage as a result of poor performance or ethical violations
- Loss of time and effort as the student may need to start over in a new program
- Loss of housing, scholarships, and other perks reserved for students with better performance or conduct
- An increase in debt due to an influx of unexpected financial burdens
- The inability to find a good residency program after graduation because of their transcript
- Loss of morale may cause the student to give up medical school
Fortunately, these penalties apply to only the most severe infarctions or chronically poor academic performance. With patience and the advice of a professional who understands what's at stake, a favorable outcome is more likely.
What To Do When Facing an Allegation
If you receive notice of an allegation, you can take some steps to decrease the likelihood of a suspension or expulsion from MU-COM. Some of these include:
- Not getting angry or upset and retaliating against peers or administrators
- Gathering evidence and information that can help you during your case
- Refusing to speak about the matter to anyone besides an attorney0advisor
- Refraining from activities that work against you
- Not posting about the issue on social media
- Talking to people who can vouch for your ethics and character
- Gathering witnesses
- Speaking to an attorney-advisor as soon as you receive notice of an allegation
When you receive notice of an allegation, every moment counts. Contacting an attorney-advisor earlier helps you avoid making further mistakes that jeopardize your chances of success.
Contacting an Attorney-Advisor
With so much that can go wrong, you need the experience and guidance of a professional who understands what's at stake. But not anyone will do – you need someone specializing in student defense.
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento has years of experience working with students in trouble nationwide. Whether your issue is due to a lapse in judgment, is the result of bias, or is a genuine mistake, Attorney-Advisor Lento helps you navigate the process.
Every case is unique, so Attorney-Advisor Lento approaches each scenario with care and a fresh perspective to eliminate bias and procedural errors. With a professional by your side, you can work on negotiating a fair outcome that won't affect your future as an osteopathic doctor.
You are a student and will make mistakes that help you learn and grow as an individual and future physician. Don't let one issue end your dreams of becoming an osteopathic doctor. Call the Lento Law Firm today for a no-nonsense consultation at 888-535-3686.
