Lehigh University Student Sues Grad School for $1.3 Million for Bad Grade

Patricia's Photos 013By George F. Indest, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

While in school, we all received grades that we believed to be unfair or unwarranted. One graduate of Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, has taken her bad grade to court. She is suing the university over a “C+” grade. In the lawsuit, the student claims that if not for a zero she was given in participation for a fieldwork class in 2009, she would have gotten a “B.” That grade would have allegedly allowed the student to move on toward finishing her master’s in counseling and human services. The student claims the one bad grade prevented her from attaining her dream to become a licensed professional counselor. Now she is suing the university for $1.3 million, according to an article in The Morning Call.

Click here to read the entire article from The Morning Call.

Was the Grade Given for Unprofessional Behavior or in Retaliation of Student’s Activism?

According to an article in The Morning Call, the student claims she received the low grade because the teacher and the then-director of the degree program conspired to hold her back. The student allegedly claims they were unhappy she had complained after being forced to find a supplemental internship partway through the semester. The student also claims the teacher was biased against her (the student’s) activism for gay and lesbian rights.

Attorneys for the university argue the grade was given to the student in an effort to help her address the skills she needed to be a licensed professional counselor. It’s stated in the complaint that the student expressed unprofessional behavior during class, including outbursts of cursing and crying.

The student ended up graduating from Lehigh University with a master’s degree in human development. She now works as a drug and alcohol counselor, according to The Morning Call. The $1.3 million she is seeking represents the alleged difference in her earnings over her career if she was instead a state-certified counselor.

Can a Judge Change a Grade?

The judge in this case questions whether he has the legal authority to actually change a grade received by a student. He has looked at cases nationally and has been unable to find one in which a judge had done so. The student’s attorney believes the judge has a wide enough latitude to impose “equitable remedies,” according to The Morning Call.

From our experience with such matters, the courts are extremely reluctant to become involved in such academic matters. Absent convincing evidence of discrimination, it is doubtful the courts will decide in the student’s favor.

Legal Ramifications of this Case.

According to an article on Huffington Post, there have been a number of students who have sued their alma maters in grading conflicts. For example, two former Texas Southern University law students filed a lawsuit in 2012 against the university’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law because they received “Ds.” The bad grades led to their dismissal for not maintaining 2.0 GPAs and put a stop to their pursuit of becoming attorneys.

Click here to read more stories of students suing their schools.

Contact a Health Care Attorney that is Experienced in the Representation of Medical Students, Interns, Residents and Applicants.

The Health Law Firm and its attorneys represent medical school students in disputes with their medical schools, internship supervisors, and in dismissal hearings. We have represented residents, interns and fellows in various disputes regarding their academic and clinical performance, allegations of substance abuse, failure to complete integral parts training, alleged false or incomplete statements on applications, allegations of impairment (because of abuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol or because of mental or physical issues), because of discrimination due to race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation and on other matters.

To learn more about our experience in the representation of medical students, click here.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

What do you think about this case? Do you think the judiciary should be injecting itself into the academic process? How do you think this lawsuit will end? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Yates, Riley. “Judge decides quickly after request to dismiss Lehigh lawsuit over C+ grade.” The Morning Call. (February 13, 2013). From: http://articles.mcall.com/2013-02-13/news/mc-lehigh-university-student-sues-over-grade-0213-20130213_1_carr-and-nicholas-ladany-zero-in-classroom-participation-daughter-of-lehigh-finance

Kingkade, Tyler. “Megan Thode, Lehigh University Grad, Files $1.3 Million Lawsuit Over C+ Grade.” HuffingtonPost. (February 13, 2013). From: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/13/megan-thode-lehigh-university-lawsuit_n_2671739.html?view=print&comm_ref=false

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

MedVance Institute Must Retrain Students and Donate Direct Scholarships to Florida

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law and Joanne Kenna, J.D., R.N.

MedVance Institute, which is a healthcare training school with four Florida campuses, reached an agreement with the Florida Office of the Attorney General (AG) on June 13, 2012. MedVance was alleged to have made misleading marketing claims to students. Under the agreement, the for-profit college is required to offer retraining to eligible students who attended specific programs between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2012, at no cost. MedVance also agreed to direct $600,000 to Florida scholarships.

MedVance Institute has campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port St. Lucie, and West Palm Beach.

Click here to see the full press release from the AG.

Students Complained of School’s Misrepresentation in Marketing Campaigns.

The AG initiated the investigation due to complaints about alleged misrepresentation in the school’s marketing to potential students relating to the admission process, deadlines for enrollment, and cost of programs.

Full Terms of the Agreement Between AG and MedVance.

According to the agreement between the AG’s office and MedVance, the school has agreed to:

– clearly and conspicuously disclose specific information relating to the school’s accreditation, state licensing requirements, and financial aid;

– not make certain representations;

– modify its arbitration provisions so that students can receive quick resolutions to pending grievances;

– offer retraining to students who attended specific MedVance programs between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2012, and were unable to find employment despite diligent efforts.

To view the full agreement, click here.

 MedVance Offers a Number of Course in the HealthCare Field.

According to its online materials, MedVance has programs in the following healthcare professions:

 – Cardiovascular Technology

 – Dental Assisting

 – Medical Office Basic X-Ray Technician

 – Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

 – Medical Office Administration

 – Information Technology & Biomedical Technician

 – Medical Assistant/Medical Assisting

 – Medical Laboratory Technology

 – Pharmacy Technician

 – Radiologic Technology

 – Surgical Technology

 – Practical Nursing

Contact a Health Care Attorney that is Experienced in the Representation of Medical Students, Interns, Residents and Applicants.

The Health Law Firm and its attorneys represent medical school students in disputes with their medical schools, internship supervisors, and in dismissal hearings. We have represented residents, interns and fellows in various disputes regarding their academic and clinical performance, allegations of substance abuse, failure to complete integral parts training, alleged false or incomplete statements on applications, allegations of impairment (because of abuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol or because of mental or physical issues), because of discrimination due to race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation and on other matters.

To learn more about our experience in the representation of medical students, click here.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Kamph, Stefan and Parker, Chris. “For-Profit Colleges Cheat Students and Get Away With It.” Miami News Times. (August 2, 2012). From: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2012-08-02/news/for-profit-colleges-cheat-students-and-get-away-with-it/2/

Turner, Jim. “Pam Bondi: MedVance to Offer Retraining, Direct Scholarships to Florida.” Sunshine State News. (June 13, 2012). From: http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/print/4987463

Meale, Jenn. “Attorney General Bondi’s Office Reaches Agreement with MedVance Institute to Retrain Students and Donate $600,000 to Florida Scholarships.” Florida Office of the Attorney General. (June 13, 2012). From: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/F3599CFFCC64359A85257A1C006A3B0C

About the Authors: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law.  He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice.  Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area.  www.TheHealthLawFirm.com  The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone:  (407) 331-6620.

Joanne Kenna, J.D., R.N., is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.

Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Students Graduating Medical School in Three Years

IMG_5281 fixedBy Danielle M. Murray, J.D.

To combat the nationwide shortage of primary care physicians and the increase in student debt, several medical schools around the country are offering the chance for students to finish school in three years, instead of four. According to a number of news articles, these programs are geared specifically toward medical students looking to practice primary care. The hope is that these programs will be cost less for students and add more primary care physicians to under-served areas.

Schools Across the U.S. Offer Three-Year Degrees.

According to an article in The New York Times, a small number of students are currently participating in the three-year degree program. There are about 16 incoming students in the program at New York University (N.Y.U.), nine students at Texas Tech Health Science Center School of Medicine and an even smaller number are at the Mercer University School of Medicine campus in Georgia. In an interview in The New York Times, the dean at Texas Tech said if this approach works, the schools will open up the program to a larger number of students.

To read the entire New York Times article, click here.

Condensed Medical School Not for Everyone.

According to an article in American Medical News, the condensed medical school eliminates breaks and electives and allows students to begin clerkship training in their second year. This is a full year earlier than the traditional four-year curriculums. In the same article, medical experts warn these accelerated programs are not for everyone, saying it takes a mature person to go through rotations earlier and at a quicker pace.

Students are given a chance to opt out if they decide to pursue a different career path. The American Medical News article explains that at Mercer, students who decide that family medicine is not for them are integrated into the traditional four-year program.

Click here to read the article from American Medical News.

Program Developed to Help with Student Debt and Doctor Shortage.

This three-year program is expected to save a quarter of the cost of medical school, which is more than $49,000 a year in tuition and fees at N.Y.U., according to The New York Times. The money saved helps primary care physicians lessen their debt as they go to work in a lower paying field. This program is expected to attract more students to practice in fields such as pediatrics and internal medicine.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the physician shortage is expected to reach 91,500 physicians by 2020. This program, as it grows, can help alleviate the shortage and bring more doctors to areas in need.

Contact a Health Care Attorney that is Experienced in the Representation of Medical Students, Interns, Residents and Applicants.

The Health Law Firm and its attorneys represent medical school students in disputes with their medical schools, internship supervisors, and in dismissal hearings. We have represented residents, interns and fellows in various disputes regarding their academic and clinical performance, allegations of substance abuse, failure to complete integral parts training, alleged false or incomplete statements on applications, allegations of impairment (because of abuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol or because of mental or physical issues), because of discrimination due to race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation and on other matters.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

What do you think of a three-year medical school degree for doctors? Do you think the fourth year of medical school is necessary for primary care physicians? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

Sources:

Hartcocollis, Anemona. “N.Y.U. and Other Medical Schools Offer Shorter Course in Training, for Less Tuition.” The New York Times. (December 23, 2012). From: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/24/education/nyu-and-others-offer-shorter-courses-through-medical-school.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Krupa, Carolyne. “Med School on the Fast Track: A 3-Year Degree.” American Medical Association. (May 7, 2012). From: http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/07/prl20507.htm

About the Author: Danielle M. Murray is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area.  www.TheHealthLawFirm.com  The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.

Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

MedVance Institute Will Retrain Some Students and Donate $600,000 in Scholarships

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law and Joanne Kenna, J.D., R.N.

MedVance Institute, which is a healthcare training school with four Florida campuses, reached an agreement with the Florida Office of the Attorney General (AG) on June 13, 2012. MedVance was alleged to have made misleading marketing claims to students. Under the agreement, the for-profit college is required to offer retraining to eligible students who attended specific programs between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2012, at no cost. MedVance also agreed to direct $600,000 to Florida scholarships.

MedVance Institute has campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port St. Lucie, and West Palm Beach.

Click here to see the full press release from the AG.

Potential Students Claimed the School’s Marketing Campaign was Misleading.

The AG initiated the investigation due to complaints about alleged misrepresentation in the school’s marketing to potential students relating to the admission process, deadlines for enrollment, and cost of programs.

Full Terms of the Agreement.

According to the agreement between the AG’s office and MedVance, the school has agreed to:

– clearly and conspicuously disclose specific information relating to the school’s accreditation, state licensing requirements, and financial aid;

– not make certain representations;

– modify its arbitration provisions so that students can receive quick resolutions to pending grievances;

– offer retraining to students who attended specific MedVance programs between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2012, and were unable to find employment despite diligent efforts.

To view the full agreement, click here.

MedVance Offers a Number of Different Courses. 

According to its online materials, MedVance has programs in the following healthcare professions:

 – Cardiovascular Technology

 – Dental Assisting

 – Medical Office Basic X-Ray Technician

 – Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

 – Medical Office Administration

 – Information Technology & Biomedical Technician

 – Medical Assistant/Medical Assisting

 – Medical Laboratory Technology

 – Pharmacy Technician

 – Radiologic Technology

 – Surgical Technology

 – Practical Nursing

Contact a Health Care Attorney that is Experienced in the Representation of Medical Students, Interns, Residents and Applicants.

The Health Law Firm and its attorneys represent medical school students in disputes with their medical schools, internship supervisors, and in dismissal hearings. We have represented residents, interns and fellows in various disputes regarding their academic and clinical performance, allegations of substance abuse, failure to complete integral parts training, alleged false or incomplete statements on applications, allegations of impairment (because of abuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol or because of mental or physical issues), because of discrimination due to race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation and on other matters.

To learn more about our experience in the representation of medical students, click here.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Kamph, Stefan and Parker, Chris. “For-Profit Colleges Cheat Students and Get Away With It.” Miami News Times. (August 2, 2012). From: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2012-08-02/news/for-profit-colleges-cheat-students-and-get-away-with-it/2/

Turner, Jim. “Pam Bondi: MedVance to Offer Retraining, Direct Scholarships to Florida.” Sunshine State News. (June 13, 2012). From: http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/print/4987463

Meale, Jenn. “Attorney General Bondi’s Office Reaches Agreement with MedVance Institute to Retrain Students and Donate $600,000 to Florida Scholarships.” Florida Office of the Attorney General. (June 13, 2012). From: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/F3599CFFCC64359A85257A1C006A3B0C

About the Authors: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law.  He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice.  Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area.  www.TheHealthLawFirm.com  The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone:  (407) 331-6620.

Joanne Kenna, J.D., R.N., is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 1996-2012 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

By |2024-03-14T10:01:56-04:00May 15, 2018|Categories: Defense|Tags: , , , , , |Comments Off on MedVance Institute Will Retrain Some Students and Donate $600,000 in Scholarships
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