Medical Can I appeal a dismissal from a BS/MD program after finding out about an undiagnosed health issue?

[Goro]

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I was dismissed from a BS/MD program after being unable to meet their semesterly GPA requirement of 3.5 twice. In the second attempt, I had earned a 3.41, but I had a 4.0 up until the week before finals. I couldn't sleep, and I was unable to study/retain because of it. And I ended up bombing my finals and getting kicked out.

I have ADHD and was on medication for it. But my psychiatrist was arrested a while earlier, and I couldn't find a new one because any provider with my insurance was booked. So I couldn't even get help when I stopped sleeping.

But now, after taking a few months off school after being dismissed, I found out that I have an atrial septal defect, which will require open heart surgery to repair. But interestingly, it may have been causing my concentration problems in school all along, because I always had low spO2 levels, and the doctors never knew why. So I might not have even had ADHD. And it's just the congenital heart problem causing the issues all along. I dont exhibit any ADHD symptoms other than the poor concentration.

I really don't want to be cut from the program because of a heart problem that wasn't my fault. Those ADHD meds I was on were the reason I couldn't sleep, and if I hadn't been taking them, I would've been fine. Moreover, two doctors where I live missed the heart defect, so I had to go to NYC to get a third opinion (after getting dismissed), where they eventually found the hole. So had the doctors caught this earlier, I would've left school before the end of the semester to get the surgery. I'm really mad that I'm just now finding this out, and I don't know what to do.

Would I be able to appeal my dismissal to the promotions committee at the medical school and explain what happened, especially if I got a physician letter to support this? From their point of view, would this be a valid reason to allow me back into the program?

Very sorry to hear of all your troubles .

At this point, all you can do is try, because the worst thing they'll say is "no".

 

[MusicDOc124]

I'd imagine that unless the issue is fixed and backed by a physician as the likely cause, as well as a psychiatrist stating that you don't have ADHD, they may see some risk with readmitting. If you get the surgery and have the backing, I think it's potentially possible, but I'd imagine it would have a contingency.

Agreed that the worst they can say is no, which wouldn't otherwise change anything for you at this point. Just have your ducks in a row with support for your best chance back into the program.