Getting through a medical College, entering a residency program and clearing it, and finally getting your license as a practicing doctor (or nurse) aren’t easy. There are so many hurdles and the biggest are disciplinary actions and Title IX allegations.
If any disciplinary warning goes into your academic file, your career can get seriously affected. Even a verbal warning in a medical residency program has repercussions since that too goes into your academic file.
Every complaint against you will make it harder to get the job you want. Having said that, there’s a lot more you should know as a medical resident and the things you should abstain from to have an impeccable academic record.
Dive in!
Are you a Student or a Professional?
Medical residency has a dual nature. Although you will be paid, you will also be a student. You’ll have to report on time, there will be presentations you’ll have to show to the physician you’re practicing under, and your skills will be judged based on how you interact with your patients.
Even though there’s no grading for medical residency, you’re still not a doctor yet. You’re more like a paid intern.
Hence, your academic record should be spotless. In case of any accusations related to academic misconduct, you should hire a medical residency defense attorney without fail.
What Comes Under Academic Misconduct?
There are certain things that are classified as misconduct when you’re a medical resident. Here are some examples:
- Substance abuse.
- Copying reports and thesis.
- Sexual discrimination.
- Sexual harassment.
- Violence.
- Racial discrimination.
- Irregular attendance.
- Poor performance.
Sometimes, these charges have some truth to them, sometimes, the reasons are different, sometimes, the accusations are false.
In either case, if these accusations go into your academic record, you can kiss goodbye to certain clinics and medical institutions you wanted to work at upon the completion of the residency program.
The best way is to not commit any of these misconducts in the first place. If you accidentally involve yourself in any misconduct or you’re innocent, hire an attorney very quickly.
Kinds of Charges that will go into your File
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that verbal warnings are ok because they’re not. They too will be mentioned. Other than that, here are the punishments you should be worried about:
- Administrative notice
- Written reprimand
- Probation
- Suspension
- Termination
However, the brighter side is, that you can raise an appeal against these accusations and prove them wrong.
Concluding Thoughts:
No matter if it’s a verbal warning or a written one, anything that’s academic misconduct will affect your career at least marginally. So, try to keep your record clean during medical residency.
If you find yourself accused of some serious misconduct, don’t think twice and contact an attorney soon.