The first hearing in the ongoing case regarding the cancellation of a Nepali doctor’s USMLE score will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM in Washington D.C. Both the doctor and their opposing party have been ordered by the court to appear in person before Judge Christopher Cooper in Courtroom 27A.
The affected Nepali doctor has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeking a preliminary injunction to halt the cancellation of their USMLE score. This crucial exam is a prerequisite for practicing medicine in the United States. The outcome of this hearing will determine whether the doctor can prevent the cancellation and proceed with their career aspirations.
NBME’s Arguments and Doctor’s Response
The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) has submitted a 57-page document explaining their justification for canceling the doctor’s score, along with a 14-page rebuttal to the class-action lawsuit and a 43-page response opposing the preliminary injunction request.
The affected Nepali doctor submitted a 28-page response on Monday, February 19th, meeting the 5:00 PM deadline by an hour and a half. The case was assigned to Judge Christopher R. Cooper on February 14th.
Previous Order and Ongoing Repercussions
On February 12th, Judge Rudolph Contreras issued an order suspending the initial response deadline for affected doctors, with the new deadline to be determined later. This suspension remains in effect while the court considers the request for a preliminary injunction. The court will issue a final decision by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on February 21st.
The lawsuit stems from the NBME’s decision around January 31st, 2024, to cancel the scores of several individuals, including the involved doctor. This action placed many Nepali doctors in a precarious situation, forcing them to consider retaking the exam, appealing the decision, or facing potential immigration issues due to revoked residencies. The court orders offer temporary relief while they await the final decision on the injunction.
NepYork News Staff
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