In 2008, the Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) was incorporated and introduced its first class of medical students and Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) degree students in 2009. In addition to having a 185,000-square-foot Medical Sciences Building in Scranton, the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) established regional campuses in Atlantic City, Danville, Doylestown, Sayre, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The school's leadership is committed to training and educating students that maintain high levels of integrity, professionalism, and compassion.
Aside from rigid academic standards, medical schools have guidelines for professionalism and academic integrity. Medical students must take decisive action to reduce the risks of long-term consequences including being unable to access better residency programs and employment opportunities if disciplinary matters are not resolved. It is critical to retain an attorney-adviser that is well-versed in mitigating these concerns and understands the process. He or she will stand up for your rights and best interests and work toward a positive resolution.
Common Examples of Lacking Professionalism
- Showing an inability to manage and respond to stressful situations
- Exhibiting signs of a lack of composure with patients
- Generating only a mediocre or minimal effort
Professionalism is a basic trait among those in the medical profession. It is demonstrated as having competency in knowledge, communication, reasoning, and more. The School of Medicine defines professionalism as “integrity with an awareness of and commitment to the principles of the medical profession.”
Dismissal
Notations are made on student records and transcripts if a suspension or dismissal is imposed. Suspensions that result from failures in personal conduct or professionalism are classified as administrative suspensions. Expulsion or dismissal permanently terminates the status of the student. Dismissals for unsatisfactory academic performance are most common following remediation that was not successful and among those on academic probation.
Dismissal for violations of conduct, breaches of professionalism, or acts of academic integrity generally occurs among students that have incurred two or more prior violations. Certain very egregious acts of misconduct are subject to immediate dismissal from GCSOM. After deliberating, the Committee on Academic and Professional Performance may recommend dismissal to the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. Students are permitted to appeal a ruling that results in dismissal within 10 days.
Academic Remediation
At GCSOM, the Committee on Academic and Professional Standards (CAPS) and Vice Dean monitor student academic performance. All requirements must be satisfied in the current academic term before progressing. Students may only retake a course once.
Those with an initial course failure are typically placed on “warning” status and are subject to remediation. For a subsequent failure, the student is subject to a “probationary” status.
Effective Advisory Attorney for Medical Students
Medical school is a lengthy process that consumes a great deal of time and often creates a tremendous amount of debt, which creates a large risk. Students faced with suspension or dismissal cannot afford to stand idle in disciplinary matters concerning academic integrity, misconduct, or breaches of professionalism.
Experienced legal representation serving in an advisory capacity can potentially assist in strategy, negotiation, and ensuring your rights are protected. Having assistance from a seasoned advisor ensures the school's unique disciplinary processes are correctly interpreted and that you are potentially able to overcome these concerns. Our Student Defense Team comprehends the potentially adverse outcomes and will act to support your best interests. Contact the LLF Law Firm today at (888) 535-3686 for information.
