You made it into medical school: that's no mean feat. It's just the beginning, though. To make it to your residency, you're going to have to meet the University of New Mexico School of Medicine's (UNMSOM) standards. All of its standards. Will courses be tough? Oh, yes, courses will be tough. Once you get through your courses, then you can take on clinic hours. And by the way, keep in mind that all along the way you'll need to demonstrate ethical and professional conduct that is above reproach. That's a lot. No wonder some people don't make it to the end.
The Lento Law Firm wants to make sure you do. We know how UNMSOM works, we know your rights under the law, and we're dedicated to making sure that you get every possible chance to earn your MD degree.
So, at the first sign of trouble, don't wait to see what will happen. Pick up the phone and call us at 888-535-3686, or reach out online.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
If someone at your school has mentioned the possibility of dismissal to you, it's probably for one of two reasons. Either you're having trouble meeting academic expectations, or you've committed some ethical or professional violation.
- Academic Deficiencies: No one wants to sit in a waiting room wondering if their doctor passed anatomy. You can understand, then, why UNMSOM expects the best from you in the classroom. Every unit, every test, matters. The good news is your school wants you to succeed. It went to a lot of trouble to admit you, and it would prefer you not fail. So, you're not going to be kicked out just for failing a test or even a course. Normally, you'll be assigned a remediation plan to complete or may be asked to repeat a year. If you fail to complete remediation, though, or struggle consistently, you can ultimately be dismissed as well.
- Misconduct: While grades are negotiable, misconduct is not. You are entering a profession like no other. Your decisions may one day determine whether people live or die. As a result, your judgment must be absolutely unassailable. What's the fastest way to demonstrate that you might not have the right stuff? Violate patient confidentiality, sexually harass a colleague, or behave unprofessionally in some other way. Faculty and administrators have no tolerance for ethical and professional lapses, and one serious mistake can be enough to get you dismissed.
Your fate from year to year rests in the hands of the school's Committee on Student Promotions and Evaluation (CSPE). This body, made up of faculty, staff, and students, evaluates student progress at the end of each year and on an ad hoc basis as necessary. Evaluations take account of both your academic and professional performance. Ultimately, the CSPE has the power to sanction you in any way it deems fit, up to and including dismissal.
Note that as a member of the University of New Mexico community you are subject to other rules and policies as well, including the university's Academic Dishonesty policy, the Student Code of Conduct, and the federally mandated Title IX policy on sexual misconduct. Any violation of any of these policies can get you dismissed by the university. As a medical student, though, you are primarily under the jurisdiction of the CSPE.
Fighting Dismissal
It's never fun trying to fight dismissal from medical school. It always beats the alternative though. If you should wind up dismissed, you'll find it virtually impossible to get another school to accept you. Your medical career, for all intents and purposes, will be over.
Luckily, UNMSOM offers a process for appealing all CSPE decisions.
- First, you should know that any time the CSPE is considering an adverse decision, certainly one with a sanction like dismissal, the committee conducts a thorough investigation into the matter. As part of that investigation, you're invited to give your side of the story. The committee considers all the documentation, and they interview anyone with relevant information.
- Throughout the process, you have a right to review any evidence against you. However, you are not allowed to attend witness interviews or other meetings.
- Should the committee decide dismissal is appropriate, you're invited back to respond to the evidence.
- If the CSPE dismisses you, you may then appeal that decision to the school's Appeals Committee. This committee conducts its own investigation, beginning with a review of the documentary evidence. In addition, you're allowed to meet with the committee, and it also interviews members of the CSPE.
- You may further appeal the Appeal Committee's decision to the Dean and ultimately to the Chancellor.
Note that the School of Medicine does not give you the right to a full hearing at any point. In addition, it is unclear whether or not you can bring legal representation with you to interviews. The rules certainly don't say that you cannot.
Whether or not you're allowed an attorney, you always need someone from the Lento Law Firm at your side when you're facing dismissal. They can play a crucial role in developing your defense, work with you to organize and submit evidence, help you draft documents, advise you on what to say, and suggest questions for witnesses. More important than any of this, though, they can monitor your case and make sure the school doesn't violate any of your rights.
Fighting for Your Future
If you're facing dismissal, you need to know everything is on the line. You've worked for many years to get to this point. You earned an undergraduate degree; you spent dozens, maybe hundreds of hours studying for the MCAT; you filled out applications, convinced referees to write on your behalf, and sat through demanding interviews. The threat of dismissal puts all of that in jeopardy. It means having to look for a new career. It means having to pay back thousands of dollars in student loans without a medical degree to help you do it.
There's simply too much on the line to go into this situation alone. Judicial rules and procedures can be complex, and your school is not on your side in this instance. You need someone who is, someone who has your best interests at heart and who is willing to fight for those interests. You want an attorney from the Lento Law Firm.
The Lento Law Firm was built to help students. Our Student Defense Team is highly experienced with all aspects of investigation, adjudication, and appeals processes and have helped hundreds of students just like you get the justice they deserve.
If you're facing disciplinary action, don't wait to see what might happen. Find out exactly what the Lento Law Firm can do for you. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
