Failure for Professionalism

[jpop1332]

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US MD student. I was dealing with family issues during first semester of med school. We have a course where we go to a clinic every week. I entered sessions as attended for 3 of them when I didn't have access to a car due to my circumstances, knowing I would make it up. My preceptor noted that I had to miss some sessions in my evaluation, the school saw that there was a discrepancy in the log that I had fabricated attendance for 3 sessions. I went through different hearings and committees. I have received a course failure for the M1 course and have to repeat all my clinic sessions to repeat the course. I also received an honor code violation for fabricating attendance.

Dean of student affairs said that in the professionalism section of MSPE this violation will be recorded, but there is a section for demonstrated growth since the incident and she will include information on that growth/reflection I have shown in this section.

The committees said that I showed good reflection/responsibility in the meetings, and took ownership. In the end, a violation is a violation, and they said they are pleased with my growth since.

Now I have a course failure, and having to repeat it, and professionalism incident due to this. I have passed all my other courses in M1.

Should I just put my head down, focus on research/boards/connections and move on from here? I don't know what to do. My preceptor and I have a great relationship, and we are focused on moving on from here. He did not ever think his evaluation would lead to this, but it happened.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Dishonesty is a big deal in medicine. Documenting things that you didn't really do but "I'm sure I'll get to it later" is a big problem. How much impact this will have on your residency apps is unknown. It will be as far in the rear view as possible when you're applying, which is good. You own the issue, do the best you can to get past it.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Agree with above--this is a big deal. You are somewhat unlucky that you got caught, but this is precisely why nobody should try because you're gonna get in big trouble if and when you are caught.

But yeah, nothing to be done now. Head down and focus on what you can control going forward.

 

[wysdoc]

"Should I just put my head down, focus on research/boards/connections"
Focus on coursework, and on being diligent and dependable. Be the person you would want for your doctor. Focusing on "research and connections" is kind of vague to me and I think it's more important to blend in than to stand out, and to prove your ability to be a team player.

 

[ontiquicuo]

I don't want to pile on, but I think it needs to be said explicitly for anyone reading:

First and foremost, do not do it again. Once is bad, but you can learn from it. Twice?

 

[DarkBluMage]

Focus on being pristine professionally from here on out and make good connections/mentors that can go to bat for you if needed during match season. Research or high board scores wouldn’t be of use to you in regards to red flags for professionalism as neither show improvement towards personality/professionalism issues.