If you've been at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Greenville (USCSOMG) for any length of time at all, you know just how high the expectations are. You know that courses are tough and instructors demanding. You know, clinical hours are even tougher. And you know that your personal and professional conduct has to be beyond reproach.
What you may not know is how to get help when you run into trouble meeting any of those expectations. That's important too.
The Lento Law Firm is dedicated to helping medical students reach their potential no matter what roadblocks they may encounter. We know the law as it applies to education; we know how the USCSOMG system works. Most importantly, we don't believe a mistake or two should stand in the way of your medical degree.
So if you find yourself in trouble, if someone has mentioned the possibility of dismissal to you, don't wait to see what might happen. Pick up the phone and call us at 888-535-3686, or complete our contact form and we will get in touch.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
There are really only two reasons USCSOMG might try to dismiss you. Either the school doesn't feel you're keeping up academically, or you've been accused of committing some form of misconduct.
- Academic Deficiencies: You knew coming in that coursework and clinic hours in medical school would be challenging, but maybe you didn't expect it to be this challenging. The thing is, when it comes to treating patients for illnesses and trauma, you have to know what you're doing. Your school demands the best of you, and when you can't deliver your best, there are consequences. You won't be dismissed for failing one exam or even for failing a class. More likely, you'll be assigned a remediation plan or, in more serious cases, asked to retake a year. However, dismissals do happen, especially to those who fail to complete their remediation. Academic concerns are under the purview of the school's Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee (SEPC). This committee meets annually to consider all student progress. It has the authority to assign remediation, to hold students back a year, and to issue sanctions up to and including dismissal.
- Misconduct: Like any other student at the University of South Carolina, Greenville, you're held accountable for your conduct. You must adhere to the Academic Integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Like all US students, you are subject to the federal government's Title IX prohibitions on sexual misconduct. The School of Medicine takes it for granted that you will abide by these rules, but any violation can result in dismissal. Additionally, the school expects you to meet certain standards of ethical and professional conduct. This means following all rules and regulations, maintaining doctor-patient confidentiality, and learning to communicate effectively as part of a healthcare team. It also means keeping your personal life stable. A conviction for any crime, even something simple like assault, is grounds for dismissal.
Issues of professionalism are dealt with by the Honor and Professionalism Council (HPC). This committee meets as needed to respond to allegations. It has the power to recommend sanctions up to and including dismissal. However, only the SEPC can enact such recommendations.
Fighting Dismissal
USCSOMG has clear processes in place for fighting dismissal. Those processes can differ considerably, though, depending on the exact reason for the dismissal.
- Academic Dismissals: These dismissals are generally based on your academic record, and the facts of this record aren't normally subject to debate. As a result, the SEPC doesn't invite student input into its deliberation processes. Instead, members examine the record and decide if a sanction like dismissal is appropriate. Further, while you may appeal the SEPC's decision, grounds for appeal are strictly limited to an allegation that the SEPC acted inappropriately or failed to follow procedure. Such appeals should be directed to the Dean, and they must be filed within five days of learning of the SEPC's decision.
- Conduct Dismissals: In contrast, issues involving misconduct generally arise from allegations. Before the HPC makes a recommendation for dismissal, it conducts a full investigation into those allegations. As part of that investigation, you have the opportunity to give your side of the story. Investigators also interview your accuser and any other witnesses, and they collect any physical evidence. Ultimately, you are allowed to appear before the committee and make a statement. The committee then decides whether or not you are Responsible (guilty) using the legal standard “preponderance of the evidence.” As with academic dismissals, you have the right to appeal the committee's findings, but only if you can show that procedural mistakes were made or that new evidence relevant to the case has arisen.
USCSOMG gives you the right to an attorney in misconduct cases. You have no such right in academic cases. In either situation, though, you need a Lento Law Firm attorney. Whether or not they can accompany you to a proceeding or speak on your behalf, they can play a vital role in helping you build your defense. Not only will an attorney from the Lento Law Firm work with you to develop your arguments, but they can help you collect and organize evidence, they can draft documents on your behalf, they can offer suggestions on how to respond to questions, and they can give you practice in making your presentations.
Most important of all, though, a Lento Law Firm attorney can monitor your case and make sure you're treated fairly from start to finish.
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.
