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, faculty, and staff

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.
  1. 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.
  2. All remediation plans require official approval by the Committee on Student Promotions (CSP).
  3. All students are required to follow their approved remediation plan.
  4. 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 are set in accordance with the School of Medicine's Bylaws and Regulations, Regulation 70-E, by the Office of Medical Education. 
  5. All other remediation plans are developed by the student and the Course Director(s) in consultation with the Associate Dean for Students and the Office of Student Learning and Educational Resources.
    • Students are encouraged to work with their academic coach for additional support and guidance. 

    PROCEDURE

    1. Pre-Clerkship Remediation
      1. Remediating a “Y” mark in the pre-clerkship phase may mean taking a cumulative exam, or other work (including but not limited to addressing lapses in professionalism) determined by the Course Director(s), in conjunction with CSP.
        • Students are given one attempt to remediate a "Y" mark.
      2. Remediation of an “F” grade entails retaking the course in its entirety; additional work, such as addressing lapses in professionalism may also be required.
        • In unique situations, the student may be approved to apply for and take the course through ‘credit by examination.’
    2. USMLE Step 1 Remediation: See the USMLE Step 1 Policy
    3. Clerkship Remediation
      1. Remediation for “Y” marks include retaking a written, oral, or clinical skills exam and/or retaking the clerkship rotation. Other work (including but not limited to addressing lapses in professionalism) may also be required.
        • Students are given one attempt to remediate a "Y" mark.
      2. Remediation of an “F” grade will be determined by the Course Director(s) in conjunction with CSP.
    4. Post-Clerkship Remediation
      1. Remediation for “Y” marks may include completing additional clinical work, written assignments and/or clinical skills exams. Other work (including but not limited to addressing lapses in professionalism) may also be required. This will be determined by the Course Director(s) in conjunction with CSP.
      2. Remediation of an “F” grade will be determined by the Course Director(s) in conjunction with CSP.
    5. USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) Remediation: See the USMLE Step 2 Policy
    6. Addressing Professionalism Lapses contributing to a "Y" mark or "F" grade during any curricula phase
      1. Professionalism remediation is determined by CSP and will include the development of an individualized professionalism improvement plan by the Director of Medical Student Professionalism (in consultation with the Honor and Professionalism Council).
      2. 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)

    RELATED POLICIES
    Professionalism Policy
    Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
    Student Code of Academic and Social Conduct Policy
    USMLE Step 1 Policy
    USMLE Step 2CK Policy

    POLICY OWNER
    Committee on Student Promotions

    REVIEWERS
    Committee on Student Promotions*
    Committee on Educational Policy
    Director of Medical Student Professionalism

    REVIEW DATE and REVIEW CYCLE
    February 2025, 2-year cycle

    * Policy Owner