The Albert Einstein School of Medicine in the Bronx was founded in 1953. The administration is committed to fostering an educational environment of professionalism and mutual respect. The institution has a zero-tolerance policy for mistreatment, discrimination, harassment and other forms of misconduct. Disciplinary concerns are addressed by the Office of Student Affairs and the Executive Dean.
Medical school students have made a challenging commitment to do what is necessary to later practice medicine. During these years, students may struggle academically or in complying with the high standards of professionalism. These institutions expect both academic performance and very professional interaction with other students, faculty, and patients. Failing to satisfy the standards and expectations may result in remediation or dismissal.
Medical students must proceed cautiously to avoid the risks of being unable to access preferred residency programs and employment opportunities if the disciplinary action remains unresolved. It is crucial to retain an experienced attorney-adviser that understands the process and will protect your rights and best interests while pursuing a favorable resolution.
Committee on Student Promotions and Professional Standards (CSPPS)
The Professionalism Policy of the CSPPS defines all procedures and standards related to misconduct and professionalism. Ethical academic behavior is expected that prohibits falsifying or fabricating academic documents, plagiarism, and all forms of cheating. Professional misconduct such as neglecting responsibilities in clinical rotations are a risk to patient welfare.
The "formal rules of evidence" are not applicable; however, accused students are always allowed to be heard and seek assistance from an advisor. Any student that is arrested or convicted for criminal activities must immediately notify the Associate Dean of Students or face dismissal. If student behavior poses a risk to patients, other students, faculty, or damages the school's reputation, they will be immediately suspended during the disciplinary process.
Remediation and Support
Students who underperform academically are initially subject to academic “warning status or probation.” A remediation plan is developed in a meeting with the Program Director, Office of Academic Support and Counseling, and the student. A mentor from the faculty will provide supervision for the duration of time the student is afforded to show improvement.
Potential Dismissal for the Einstein School of Medicine
A student may be subject to dismissal based on the following grounds:
- Graduate course failure
- Failure or repeated failure of Qualifying Examinations
- Any student with six individual exam failures is placed on probation, and any subsequent failure is grounds for dismissal
- Cheating, plagiarism, or other “ethical, professional, or scholarly” misconduct
- Title IX violations including sexual abuse or assault, stalking, domestic violence, etc.
Students seeking to appeal a ruling must notify the Dean of the Medical School in writing within 15 days. Dismissals are recorded on all student transcripts.
Importance of Having Experienced Attorney Advisory Representation
The medical profession places a tremendous emphasis on integrity, which includes medical school students. Maintaining a record that is free from academic or non-academic disciplinary action or criminal convictions is essential. Medical students must approach disciplinary matters appropriately, as large commitments of time and resources have been exhausted and your future goals are at risk.
Medical school administrators are often in a rush to judgment and handle disciplinary matters hastily without properly affording students their rights of due process. Joseph D. Lento is an attorney that is well-versed in representing students facing allegations of violating standards of professionalism, academic integrity, Title IX guidelines, and more. Contact the office today at (888) 535-3686.
