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As the title says, reported to the academic performance and review committee. How big a deal is this for residency?
Depends how they spin it. On its own maybe not a huge deal, but also not something you want on your record. It would definitely catch my eye and I would scrutinize the app more closely if it were strong enough otherwise. Any other hint of trouble and I’d toss it.
What’s more worrisome is all the future professionalism issues you’re going to have between now and fourth year (assuming you’re pre clinical based on title). People who blow off mandatory things tend to blow off other important things too. This pattern tends to follow them wherever they go. Just read the public proceedings from your state medical board for stories of attendings behaving badly too. Wanna guess what gets most attendings in trouble? Not doing stupid mandatory stuff required by the board.
Take this as a wake up call and shape up. Get your butt to class.
Depends how they spin it. On its own maybe not a huge deal, but also not something you want on your record. It would definitely catch my eye and I would scrutinize the app more closely if it were strong enough otherwise. Any other hint of trouble and I’d toss it.
What’s more worrisome is all the future professionalism issues you’re going to have between now and fourth year (assuming you’re pre clinical based on title). People who blow off mandatory things tend to blow off other important things too. This pattern tends to follow them wherever they go. Just read the public proceedings from your state medical board for stories of attendings behaving badly too. Wanna guess what gets most attendings in trouble? Not doing stupid mandatory stuff required by the board.
Take this as a wake up call and shape up. Get your butt to class.
These are pretty blunt assessments but are accurate. I’m more concerned whether OP damaged themselves pretty badly with their school because schools work hard to put their students in best light. A professionalism violation is severe and if the school is going to put that on MSPE.. that will be really damagingThere are always a few outliers who are chronically late and/or absent. Some just don't show, others always have an excuse at the ready. You would be impressed to see how often sudden illness, car troubles, veterinary emergencies, flight cancellations, plumbing failures, and the unexpected deaths of distant (but important) relatives can afflict someone in a short span of time.
In my experience these individuals have a markedly increased risk of running into more serious problems relative to their peers. I'm probably somewhat biased, but if I were a PD in a program that has no problem filling each year, I would toss this app in the trash.
See, I don't necessarily disagree with you, but the bolded is why I think it *is* a big deal--all that matters is that *some* people reviewing an app will see it in a very negative light, and probably at least one person one most residency review committees that the OP applies to.Personally if I saw it when I was on recruitment committee it would have pretty much no relevance to me; its going to be subjective and different people will take it different ways. Others in the committee I was in at the time would be stricter and view it in a negative light; its very very person dependent, so even though its dumb, the less you have to worry about the btter.
oh i agree, at the end of the day its competitive out there, no matter how dumb something is you dont want any room for error. Its easier to not have stuff to explain.See, I don't necessarily disagree with you, but the bolded is why I think it *is* a big deal--all that matters is that *some* people reviewing an app will see it in a very negative light, and probably at least one person one most residency review committees that the OP applies to.
Doesn't mean they won't match, or that they're going to necessarily have professionalism issues going forward. But perception is reality with these kinds of things, and if this doesn't get smoothed over the OP is going to have to combat that perception from at least a subset of reviewers.
As the title says, reported to the academic performance and review committee. How big a deal is this for residency?
You're right, at one point or another everyone ditches something. That in itself is not a huge deal, and does not portend trouble. However, the students I'm referring to have serious, chronic, and seemingly intractable issues with absence and/or tardiness. I specifically said "outliers" for a reason.I disagree between the relevance of missing mandatory lectures and having professionalism issues that follow. I dont think it means someone will have issues in the future. In my class, literally everyone tried to skip mandatory lectures whenever possible because they would be 3 hour guest lectures on cpap machines or something else
At my institution an action by the performance and review committee would only come under two circumstances: (1) multiple warnings went unheeded, or (2) the violation in question was particularly egregious. Perhaps the OP will be lucky enough to get off with a slap on the wrist.But the school should want its class to match well, they should at least work with the OP on a solution rather then putting marks on a record, since it hurts the school and the OP. Thats why i think the apology route may be a good idea here.
To all of you who answered truthfully and justly, thank you.
In reply to various posts. Yes, I am worried about having further issues with admin and attendings in the future. I have not had any warnings up to this point, never been directly contacted for any reason by administration and never had attendance or academic issues until now. However, this isn't an accident, I am simply not interested in medicine anymore and I don't think time off will help. I want to put more than the bare minimum into this but I haven't been for some time now.
In regards to the other issue at hand, I hadn't even considered to beg for mercy - I wouldn't even know how to go about it.
To all of you who answered truthfully and justly, thank you.
In reply to various posts. Yes, I am worried about having further issues with admin and attendings in the future. I have not had any warnings up to this point, never been directly contacted for any reason by administration and never had attendance or academic issues until now. However, this isn't an accident, I am simply not interested in medicine anymore and I don't think time off will help. I want to put more than the bare minimum into this but I haven't been for some time now.
In regards to the other issue at hand, I hadn't even considered to beg for mercy - I wouldn't even know how to go about it.
I don’t know what OP can do at this point other than beg for mercy
Who should I even reach out to for this? I have no idea how to go about it. What should I do?So, agree with others—beg for mercy.
Well this would have been nice to know.To all of you who answered truthfully and justly, thank you.
In reply to various posts. Yes, I am worried about having further issues with admin and attendings in the future. I have not had any warnings up to this point, never been directly contacted for any reason by administration and never had attendance or academic issues until now. However, this isn't an accident, I am simply not interested in medicine anymore and I don't think time off will help. I want to put more than the bare minimum into this but I haven't been for some time now.
Schedule a meeting with the student affairs dean. Explain your motivation issues and ask for advice. Based on what you have shared, my recommendation would be a voluntary LOA for some self-reflection. Sometimes people come back from these leaves, other times they stay gone. Either way it's helpful to pause the situation.In regards to the other issue at hand, I hadn't even considered to beg for mercy - I wouldn't even know how to go about it.
Who sent you the notice? Dean? Someone like that.Who should I even reach out to for this? I have no idea how to go about it. What should I do?
Spot on. Echoing the idea that schools care deeply about their own reputations and this goes well beyond rankings.You're right, at one point or another everyone ditches something. That in itself is not a huge deal, and does not portend trouble. However, the students I'm referring to have serious, chronic, and seemingly intractable issues with absence and/or tardiness. I specifically said "outliers" for a reason.
At my institution an action by the performance and review committee would only come under two circumstances: (1) multiple warnings went unheeded, or (2) the violation in question was particularly egregious. Perhaps the OP will be lucky enough to get off with a slap on the wrist.
My dream school to work in is one where such committees are not necessary, because all the students get along, works hard, and fulfill the curricular requirements without a fuss. Disciplinary bodies are a nightmare for everyone involved.
Lastly, you're right, school's do want their classes to match well. But we also have to think of our reputations and patient safety. Matching and graduating students who are known to be terrible is nothing more than a short-term fix, and one that carries its own risks.
Course director. He's otherwise not admin. I've actually done research with him and he's a very sweet and personable pharmacist.Who sent you the notice? Dean? Someone like that.
I've been set on radiology since about the second or third month of med school. I have never had any desire to interact with patients. I don't know why I went to med school at this point, but no, my parents didn't force me. This was all my idea.Spot on. Echoing the idea that schools care deeply about their own reputations and this goes well beyond rankings.
In my program we had one resident from a tip top school who ended up getting fired as a pgy2 for serious professionalism issues. The school made no mention of any issues and their LORs were all glowing. In retrospect, private conversations later revealed that they had multiple issues as a student as well but everything had been swept under the rug. Ever since, my PD has refused to even interview any students from that school. I’ve heard similar stories from other programs too. If that’s what happens to a household name top tier school, it would be even worse for mid and lower tier schools.
So yes, schools want their students to do well but they are playing the long game.
OP- agreeing with others that it sounds like you may be burned out which happens to all of us. Definitely meet with whatever assistant dean admin person seems most approachable and have a talk. Hard to say if it’s time to cut your losses or whether some time away would make you want to give it another go, but probably worth figuring that out. Nothing wrong with a LOA to see how you feel.
In some ways, Med school and training get much better and more fun as you go along. In other ways, it gets much harder. I don’t think you have to deeply love it to do well, but you do need to be able to visualize some scenarios where you could see your day to day and overall lifestyle being tolerable. For example, I have a good buddy who kinda hated med school and especially hated any kind of bs patient interactions. Now he’s a very successful and happy radiologist with an awesome work life balance. I’d personally be bored to tears doing that, but I love my variety of clinic and procedures and surgery that keeps my days varied and interesting. I don’t love it so much I’d do it for free, but I definitely find it interesting and challenging and deeply rewarding and I look forward to going to work each day.
I can't really believe this. You have a student handbook and there are procedures where you are probably notified well before you get this reprimand. For legal reasons, you were probably warned but didn't pay attention. Such a committee usually includes students and other faculty so your earning comes from your peers as well.... Yes, I am worried about having further issues with admin and attendings in the future. I have not had any warnings up to this point, never been directly contacted for any reason by administration and never had attendance or academic issues until now.
Have you discussed this in confidence with any counselors? No one really wants you to drop out but you may need to think about an exit strategy.... I am simply not interested in medicine anymore and I don't think time off will help. I want to put more than the bare minimum into this but I haven't been for some time now.
As I said, I have never had any interaction with any faculty or student government member regarding any performance, academic or professional issue. Be it written or otherwise.I can't really believe this. You have a student handbook and there are procedures where you are probably notified well before you get this reprimand. For legal reasons, you were probably warned but didn't pay attention. Such a committee usually includes students and other faculty so your earning comes from your peers as well.
What does your student handbook say about the process of getting reprimanded for professionalism infractions?As I said, I have never had any interaction with any faculty or student government member regarding any performance, academic or professional issue. Be it written or otherwise.
It is stupid but medical administrators and education leaders don’t care. There’s a clear power differential and the point of med school professionalism is to obey that power with no questions asked.The whole notion that you need to attend medical school lectures to do well in school, pass your boards, or even be a competent physician is ridiculous. It's a medieval approach to learning where schools assume we all learn the same way and that attending in person lectures is what is best for us. The best approach would be to give students the freedom to learn how they learn best because let's face it.... Medical students are 22+ years old and are fully capable of knowing what works for them and what doesn't work for them since their entire lives have revolved around the academic system up to this point.
The hard part of this whole situation is that OP chose a school with this medieval approach to education. So, although I despise mandatory lectures I have to say OP shot himself in the foot by attending this school and thus should abide by their rules.
Medical education leaders do care.. That's why there has been a drive to make lectures optional and emphasize active learning.It is stupid but medical administrators and education leaders don’t care. There’s a clear power differential and the point of med school professionalism is to obey that power with no questions asked.
didn't choose. only acceptance in 2 cyclesThe whole notion that you need to attend medical school lectures to do well in school, pass your boards, or even be a competent physician is ridiculous. It's a medieval approach to learning where schools assume we all learn the same way and that attending in person lectures is what is best for us. The best approach would be to give students the freedom to learn how they learn best because let's face it.... Medical students are 22+ years old and are fully capable of knowing what works for them and what doesn't work for them since their entire lives have revolved around the academic system up to this point.
The hard part of this whole situation is that OP chose a school with this medieval approach to education. So, although I despise mandatory lectures I have to say OP shot himself in the foot by attending this school and thus should abide by their rules.
I am no doctor but OP definitely should rule out depression before giving up on medicine. Complete apathy for med school could be from genuine disinterest in medicine, but missing mandatory stuff and not "getting" why it is a big deal is also classic MDD.What year are you? If MS2 or less, it's time to cut bait and get out. It doesn't get any easier from here if you don't have the motivation.
My clinician colleagues take professionalism very seriously because they know that dishonest doctors start out by being dishonest students.Just came here to say I think individuals in the medical profession are held to too high a standard at times and I think it negatively impacts their desire and ability to reach out and seek meaningful help when they might need it. Whether this be professional, legal, or otherwise this high stress job that also demands/expects a picture perfect exterior, I believe (totally my own opinion here), contributes to burnout.
I think that on the exterior a professionalism mark will negatively impact residency apps if it is visible to them just because of supply & demand. They are presumably looking for any means to sift through the crowd. At the same time, these people have hearts and I believe the vast majority of PDs would welcome a reasonable explanation (dealing with personally challenging times, searching for motivation, trying to find my place during medical school, etc.) If they don't I think that is a bigger flaw with how stringent our demands have become for applicants in a time when we are in desperate need for more medical professionals.
Of course, if you have no motivation, or simply have determined that this isn't for you then all of the above advice about alternative career paths I completely agree with.
Good luck, OP!
My clinician colleagues take professionalism very seriously because they know that dishonest doctors start out by being dishonest students.
This isn't about perfection. The person missed two mandatory lectures. The OP did not get written up because he attended but slept through it or watched other videos during the lecture. The issue I have is the contention that he was not warned about getting written up after the first mandatory lecture absence. Other than that, I'm pretty sure every orientation clearly notes that one must attend mandatory lectures unless there is a valid excuse beforehand.I agree that honesty is important, but OP is being honest in admitting to his/her perceived mistake. That is also why I would hope that most PDs would accept a reasonable explanation for the error and be able to move past that.
I believe that the culture of perfection further precludes honesty rather than encouraging it.
I recently paid a lot of money for a 4 hour CME class, on my off day, to listen to someone who has zero medical training teach me how to be nice to patients.
I'd rather not, but this class is required to maintain licensure. Mind you, no one told me about this or any other CME requirement when I got my medical license. I had to search high and low through the arcane state website, and sift through some outdated info.
If I am audited and do not have this class, the board will levy a $5000 fine, my name will be placed on the public roster of derelict physicians, I will be required to pay for and attend professionalism classes. This is just the start, as my license will be suspended causing me to lose tens of thousands of dollars from lost income, my annual malpractice insurance premiums will be increased by thousands of dollars for the rest of my career, I will have to disclose this in every hospital credentialing process, and every time I am sued my character will be attacked as having been on the derelict physician roster.
Long story short, OP get your act together. No one cares about the many hoops we have to jump through, some of which are important and some of which are pure BS. But all these hoops have negative ramifications should we fail to comply.
My guess is FM.Jesus christ dude what specialty are you
I have been intractably depressed since childhood.I am no doctor but OP definitely should rule out depression before giving up on medicine.
As the title says, reported to the academic performance and review committee. How big a deal is this for residency?
I have been intractably depressed since childhood.
What "perceived mistake" are you referring to?I agree that honesty is important, but OP is being honest in admitting to his/her perceived mistake. That is also why I would hope that most PDs would accept a reasonable explanation for the error and be able to move past that.
I believe that the culture of perfection further precludes honesty rather than encouraging it.
Jesus christ dude what specialty are you
Medical licenses are not specialty specific. They're state specific.
please enquire about ACT, ERP, CBT. ACT is doing wonders for me.I have been intractably depressed since childhood.
This definitely happens in med schools.If they didn’t give you a warning or anything, they may be trying to start a paper trail in case they have to take further disciplinary action later.
This is a well known practice in corporate positions. HR will never bring you in for a sit down or issue a warning unless you have been on their radar for some time. When they actually start the paper trail, they’re trying to lay the tracks for further action if things don’t change. They want to minimize the risk of getting sued.
I would be careful because this may not hurt when it comes to residency but might be an indication that further action could be taken of this isn’t changed