Coursework and Professionalism Remediation Policy

Purpose
To outline processes developed to assist students in meeting academic and/or professional requirements for satisfactory progress in the curriculum.

Audience
All medical students

LCME Standards
9.5 Narrative Assessment
9.7 Formative Assessment and Feedback
9.9 Fair and Timely Summative Assessment

Policy

Definitions
Remediation: working to convert a “Y” mark to a passing grade, retaking an “F” graded course to earn a passing grade, passing a previously failed USMLE Step exam, or addressing deficiencies related to professionalism.

To assist students in meeting academic and/or professional requirements for satisfactory progress in the curriculum, the School provides remediation opportunities, as outlined in the School’s Bylaws and Regulations.
All remediation plans require official approval by the Committee on Student Promotions (CSP).
All students are required to follow their approved remediation plan.
During the pre-clerkship phase of the curriculum, all remediation exams are taken at pre-determined times identified by Course Director(s). Dates for remediation exams will be determined by Course Directors.
All other remediation plans are developed by the student and the Course Director(s), in consultation with the Associate Dean for Students, the Director of Student Development and the Office of Student Learning and Educational Resources. Students are also encouraged to work with their academic coach for additional support and guidance.

Procedure

Pre-Clerkship Remediation Process

Remediating a “Y” mark in the pre-clerkship years may mean taking a cumulative exam, or other work determined by the Course Director(s), in conjunction with CSP. Students are given one attempt to remediate a "Y" mark.
Remediation of an “F” grade entails retaking the course in its entirety. In unique situations, the student may be approved to apply for and take the course through ‘credit by examination.’

USMLE Step 1 Remediation Process

See USMLE Step 1 Policy

Clerkship Remediation Process

Remediation for “Y” marks include retaking a written, oral or clinical skills exam and/or retaking the clerkship rotation. Students are given one attempt to remediate a "Y" mark.
Remediation of an “F” grade will be determined by the Course Director(s) in conjunction with CSP.

Post-Clerkship Remediation Process

Remediation for “Y” marks may include completing additional clinical work, written assignments and/or clinical skills exams. This will be determined by the Course Director(s) in conjunction with CSP.
Remediation of an “F” grade entails retaking a written, oral or clinical skills exam, or retaking the course in its entirety. This will be determined by the Course Director(s) in conjunction with CSP.

USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) Remediation Process

See USMLE Step 2 Policy

Professionalism Remediation Process
Professionalism remediation is determined by CSP and will include appropriate assessments of professional performance by the Director of Professionalism and its agencies (in consultation with the Associate Dean for Students).

In circumstances where professionalism deficiencies are so significant that they prevent a student from performing patient care responsibilities and/or functioning appropriately in a clinical environment, CSP may require a written clearance from a Committee-approved, qualified professional before the student is allowed to return to duty/school (“fitness for duty”).

Responsibility
Committee on Student Promotions

References
UC Davis School of Medicine Bylaws and Regulations, Regulation 80: Remediation (B)

Policy Owner
Committee on Student Promotions

Reviewed by
Committee on Student Promotions*
Committee on Educational Policy

Reviewed Date and Review Cycle
February 2023, 2-year cycle

*Committee reviews, updates and approves the policy