The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine has three sites in East Lansing, Detroit Medical Center, and Macomb. The Macomb University Center is part of one of Michigan's most advanced facilities for professional development at Macomb Community College. This site is within a 20-mile radius of seven hospitals. It is a unique place to learn and establish a career with over 600 osteopathic graduate medical education positions. Like its two other sites, the college emphasizes learning within a diverse environment that emphasizes medical education and research to provide community access to exceptional care.
To remain enrolled at Macomb, students must maintain stellar academic performance and ethical behavior. However, since you're still a student, mistakes will happen, especially given the significant pressure to perform and excel. Whether you're facing a personal issue, experienced a momentary lapse in judgment, or made an honest mistake, the consequences may surprise you. It is not uncommon for students to face harsh sanctions such as suspension or expulsion for making mistakes. Even a temporary dismissal severely affects your reputation and future career as an osteopathic doctor. Without the help of an attorney-advisor, your chances of graduating on time – or at all – decrease significantly.
Professional Violations and Student Handbook
The student handbook for the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine applies to all three sites, including Macomb University Center. The statement of professionalism in the guide maintains that ethical behavior is integral to a student's training to become successful and well-rounded osteopathic doctors. MSU also has a common ground framework under the acronym CORE, which stands for Collaboration, Opportunity, Responsibility, and Expertise. The framework, which applies to all students and professionals who are part of MSU, is a set of guiding, fundamental principles that support the standards of behavior and integrity.
The college even has standards for professional conduct online outlined in the handbook. These standards are unsurprising given the importance of the college's reputation and the need to maintain a level playing field for all students. Students who go against these standards face multiple issues, such as probation, a warning, revocation of a residency selection, suspension, and dismissal. However, besides mistakes that can happen with any student, some allegations of unprofessional behavior are false. When this happens, students need the help of an attorney-advisor who understands what's at stake and helps them clear their names when they did not commit wrongdoing.
Remediation Policy
Even if you abide by the ethical and professional requirements of the college, you must demonstrate that you have a firm understanding of the material you're learning. You cannot progress to the next training phase if you do not have the knowledge and skills to work with patients later. However, in some cases, a student may face a particularly challenging time in their personal life. Whether it's due to the stress or the pressure to succeed, remediation may be an additional burden a student must take on to remain enrolled. When this happens, the guidance of an attorney-advisor helps decrease the likelihood of taking a remedial course or exam if you do not genuinely need to do so.
Remediation is necessary for a student's progress if they do not meet the requirements and standards established by MSU. Every course faculty member has the option to provide a remediation option for students. Students can access the policy by checking the course syllabus, which has information about how students can improve their grades after receiving an "N" grade, as mentioned in the handbook.
Consequences of Dismissal from MSUCOM-MUC
Expulsion or dismissal from an osteopathic medical school has immediate and long-term consequences on your education and career. Even brief discharges throw your plans for graduation into disarray and delay your residency. Furthermore, you'll have a gap in your transcript and a negative notation on your transcript, discouraging other medical schools or employers from taking a chance on you. Expulsion from osteopathic medical school comes with multiple challenges, among them:
- Not being able to find another medical school for enrollment
- Suffering from the reputational damage that extends beyond education and spills onto your professional life
- Losing months or years of time and effort studying for your degree
- Loss of scholarships, housing, perks, and residency placements
- Additional financial burdens that add thousands of dollars to your debt, including unexpected expenses
- Loss of morale and not wanting to continue in this field
- Having a negative notation on your transcript
With such devastating consequences on your mental health and career path, you must act decisively and swiftly when you receive word of possible sanctions. One of the most effective actions is contacting an attorney-advisor who helps you negotiate a solution with your college panel.
Contacting an Attorney-Advisor
When you are an osteopathic medical student facing harsh sanctions for professionalism and academic issues, you need the help of a professional. Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento specializes in student defense and helps students like you who need guidance and support during a stressful and nerve-wracking time. With years of experience tackling complex and unique cases involving students, Attorney-Advisor Lento understands what's at stake and negotiates for a fair deal and acceptable outcome.
The longer you wait to take action, the less likely you will succeed in fighting allegations of unprofessional conduct or academic issues. Attorney-Advisor Lento identifies the most common problems that lead to sanctions, such as bias, not following due process, and procedural errors, and helps you seek justice.
You've worked hard and spent countless hours and nights studying to become an osteopathic doctor. With so much that can go wrong, you need the help of a professional who approaches each case with a fresh perspective. Don't let a mistake or an allegation destroy your dreams and future.
If you or someone you love faces allegations of professional or academic issues at MSUCOM-MUC, there's hope. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 for more information about your options.
