Progression from year to year in the Program is contingent upon satisfactory performance in the previous year's curriculum. At a minimum, "satisfactory" performance is defined by a grade of P (Pass) or better in all School of Medicine courses, and an average of B or better in all Graduate School courses. A student may not enter the graduate portion of the Program before successfully completing the first two years of the medical curriculum and completing Part 1 of the USMLE Board Examination. In addition, progression to the third year of the medical curriculum is contingent upon certification by the sponsoring graduate program that thesis research has been completed and that the written thesis has been successfully defended.
Based upon the high standards maintained by the Admissions Committee in selecting students for admission and the fact that virtually all students receive full tuition and stipend support, it is expected that combined-degree students will maintain above-average academic performance while at Georgetown. At a minimum, students are required to sustain satisfactory progress in order to remain enrolled in, and to receive Program benefits associated with, the combined-degree program. Regardless of eligibility for continuance in either respective school, receiving two or more grades of LP (Low Pass at the School of Medicine) and/or F (Failure at the School of Medicine or the Graduate School for Pass/Fail courses) or C (for Graduate School letter-grade courses) provides grounds for termination from the combined-degree program. Proposed termination from the combined-degree program is subject to review by the Oversight Committee. Furthermore, any student receiving a single grade of either LP or F/C (as noted above) in either portion of the Program will be placed on probation and given counseling.
Any student who is terminated from either school by the standard procedures of that school is automatically terminated from the M.D./Ph.D. Program and loses eligibility for all future Program benefits beyond the semester then in progress. The school from which the student was not initially terminated will decide separately whether the student may pursue the remaining single degree. Appeals of dismissals shall be directed to the standard appeals process of the respective schools. Reinstatement to regular status in both schools will be required for consideration for reinstatement to the combined-degree program. Such applications for reinstatement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the M.D./Ph.D. Oversight Committee.
Students are free to leave the combined-degree program at any time. Eligibility for Program benefits will cease at the time the student leaves the program. The student will not be obliged to repay benefits received, but remains liable for repayment of loans and any other debts incurred (in accordance with the terms of the debt). The student will also be required to pay tuition for any further studies in the School of Medicine or the Graduate School. Eligibility to receive either the M.D. or the Ph.D. degree will be determined by each school independently for students who resign from the M.D./Ph.D. Program. Any student wishing to reenter the Program after leaving it must formally reapply for admission.
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