The University of Tennessee College of Medicine (UTHSC) is a public medical school established in 1850. UTHSC is one of six graduate schools in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. This longstanding and historic medical school has close affiliations with multiple teaching hospitals in Tennessee, including Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville. With its numerous programs and significant role in being a part of the “backbone of the Memphis Medical District,” being part of its medical program is a significant achievement. But to remain enrolled and benefit from the numerous opportunities UTHSC presents for your future, you must remain in good academic standing and maintain ethical and professional behavior.
Although no medical student enters medical school with the intent to commit violations, mistakes are part of the learning process. As part of UTHSC, you must abide by the rules in the student handbook and the code of conduct. Your advisors are there to guide you along this journey and ensure you have what it takes to hold a future position of public trust. However, mistakes happen regardless of your intent. Some, however, lead to consequences that significantly impact your future. And when the sanctions are suspension or expulsion, the likelihood of gaining acceptance in another program decreases. If you face dismissal from UTHSC, taking action quickly is essential to decrease the chance of a negative outcome. That's why you need the experience and guidance of attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Law Education Law Team.
Common Reasons for Dismissal From Medical School
Dismissal from medical school is one of the most challenging experiences medical students face. Although it usually takes a severe violation or multiple incidents for an expulsion, thousands of students yearly attend hearings that may lead to this punishment. One of the most common reasons for dismissal is a lack of academic performance. As a future doctor, your medical school advancement and knowledge are as significant as professional behavior.
Your role as a doctor means you are in a position of public trust. Since you deal with patients and have their health and lives in your hand, you must advance in your program and demonstrate that you know the material and can apply it well. Another reason for dismissal is a lack of professional conduct and unethical behavior. Engaging in behavior like discrimination, drug abuse, and harassment leads to significant problems in your future practice, so medical school monitors student behavior to ensure that they do not engage in actions that can lead to future lawsuits and harm.
Adjudication Process at UTHSC
The Student Code of Conduct at UTHSC underscores the importance of maintaining ethical behavior as part of its core tenets. Per the code, anyone who believes that a medical student committed a violation must report the issue to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (SCCS). Once the SCCS receives the alleged violation notice, they review the information and conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether the case requires initiating the student conduct process. If so, you must attend a hearing where they discuss the allegations more in-depth. Students who cannot maintain a professional demeanor or advance properly face a hearing, with possible sanctions ranging from a warning to permanent dismissal.
You can present your argument during the hearing and defend yourself against the allegations. The good news is that you can have an advisor present during the hearing. Having attorney-advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Law Education Law Team by your side increases the likelihood of a more favorable outcome. Although the advisor may not do so on your behalf, having the benefit of their support and guidance during this time can make a difference in the case outcome. Regardless of the allegation, never try to approach this matter or attend the hearing alone. Although you may believe you have a chance, hearings are susceptible to multiple issues. Whether it is due to bias, not following the procedure, or overly harsh sanctions, support during this time makes all the difference when crafting a defense strategy.
Appeals Process at UTHSC
Fortunately, you may appeal the sanctions decision depending on whether it meets the terms listed in the Code of Conduct. To do so, you must submit a form called a “Notice of Appeal” within five business days after you receive the board's decision through a Notice of Decision to the SCCS. Per the code, you can only appeal if:
- The SCB's punishment is unreasonable
- A procedural error that affected the decision outcome
- The emergence of new and previously unknown information that substantially affected the SCB's decision-making process
- A personal bias preventing an SCB member from being impartial
Once the SCCS receives the appeal, it determines if it is valid. If not, it informs you, the conduct officer, and the person who filed the complaint that the SCB's decision is final and the sanctions will take effect immediately. Although appeals are not guarantees of a favorable decision, they are a chance to argue your case again. With the help of attorney-advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team, this process becomes more straightforward and may lead to a better result.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team understand what you are going through. Their years of experience helping medical students handle difficult hearings and sanctions give them the knowledge to guide you effectively.
Whether you made an egregious mistake or had a lapse in judgment, you still deserve a fair hearing and a chance to defend yourself. Besides the notice on your permanent record, dismissal comes with reputation damage and issues beyond your hearing. Dismissal negatively affects you in the short and long term, creating obstacles when applying to a new medical school or a job.
If you or a loved one faces allegations of misconduct at UTHSC, ethical or professionalism concerns, and lack of performance, don't wait. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or online for a thorough and discreet consultation.
