lookingforward is right that we don’t know how much the final counted, although it has been rare to non-existent in my experience for a final to count less than the midterm. (If that happens in med school, then who knows?)
The more likely explanation in my view is that there were other elements of the assessment where the OP scored sub-70. If these were connected with, say, rounds, or interactions with patients (real or simulated), then I would be seriously concerned that the student is trying to represent that it was just the misinterpretation of the low mid-term score that “sunk” the course average.
I don’t think the appeal will work in its current form. If the student encountered some traumatic experience during the year, that would be quite different.
My college roommate became an RN and went back to medical school at the age of 30. When I heard her plans, I thought, “Wow, for somebody with dsylexia, that’s going to be tough…” Sure enough, she failed her first year (I have no idea whether it was one or more classes). The school let her repeat her first year and she’s gone on to be a successful ob/gyn (she first worked on an Indian reservation in Oklahoma and now for a Christian organization that does work around the world).
@CCtoAlaska
It’s quite common at MEDICAL SCHOOLS. Med schools are highly motivate to have their students succeed. (Among other things, their accreditation depends upon it.)
And from personal experience I can tell you that mandated tutoring does happen, at least at the med school one my Ds attended. She was paid by the med school to tutor students in academic distress, both in her class and the class behind her. Students were referred to her for tutoring and she had to report to school administration whether or not they showed up.
And many med school are now mandating mental health counseling for students in academic distress. The suicide rate for med students and residents is 2-5x times higher than their age peers. The LCME requires every US med school provide free mental health services to its students–plus the optics of a med student jumping out the window of a high rise dorm or overdosing on meds stolen from the hospital place a med school/hospital in a very unfavorable public light. (Both true incidents, btw, and both occurring within weeks of each other at the same institution.)
@WayOutWestMom, wow, that’s amazing! I doubt my friend got so much support in 1992. It makes sense that med schools would be supportive - I knew my friend would be an amazing doctor once she got through all of the memorization!
RE: the low grade on the midterm.
In med school, there are often other elements that go into a grade besides exam scores. In PBL curriculums, there are case studies write ups, for example, or mandatory small group discussion sessions or standardized patient encounters (which are video taped and scored by an outside 3rd party). In the clinical portion of med school, there are multiple written evaluations (grades), one from every preceptor a student works with during the rotation, as well exam grades. Failing any part of the written exams (‘shelf exam’)–even an intermediary one–means failing the entire unit.
I know this is off-topic, but I have to share that one of the most helpful people caring for our ill son is a third-year medical student. He goes to Tufts. When I could still visit DS (he doesn’t want visits now), Student would come in and check on DS often. He would answer any questions that he could, but admit openly when he wasn’t sure and go ask someone who DID know. He transmitted important information to different departments. He asked very thoughtful, probing questions of DS and us. Psych is not even his primary interest, but I told him he’s smart to learn as much as possible about the field since so many of his patients will have psych issues. He will be such an excellent physician! 
@WayOutWestMom so interesting! I’ve known of mandatory drug rehab, that kind of thing for doctors and nurses who want to keep their jobs. I wonder how they get around privacy? I guess it’s a “either you do this or we kick you out” kind of thing.
@CCtoAlaska
When a med student goes on probation, the remediation plan can include whatever the program sees fit to include–tutoring, mental health counseling, drug rehab, mandatory leave of absence…
It is indeed, ‘do this or you’re getting kicked out.’
As for privacy–mental health counselors cannot reveal the the substance of any discussions with the student (unless the student is voicing thoughts of self harm or harm to others)–only yes or no, they showed up/didn’t show up. Same for the tutors, It’s a binary w/out any judgment. Yes, they attending tutoring/No, they did not. There are no privacy issues involved.
By matriculating at medical school, students surrender a lot of personal autonomy and privacy. Mandated tutoring for a failed class is just a minor blip in the larger scale of things.