The Harvard Medical School (HMS) was founded in Boston back in 1782 and now has a faculty exceeding 11,000. The administration clearly outlines the values of the community, which include collaboration, respect, diversity, and accountability. The Principles of Student Conduct and Responsibility explain that upon admission, enrollment is contingent on the student's adherence to high standards of conduct. After a student is admitted, enrollment remains contingent on a continuation of this high standard of conduct.
The expectations regarding professionalism and integrity for medical school students are high. Students are responsible for satisfying standards for academic performance and professional conduct. Based on the risks, medical students faced with academic remediation or disciplinary actions of all kinds must act appropriately. This includes discussing the issue with family and securing an attorney-adviser to provide critical guidance and support.
The HMS Promotion and Review Board (PRB)
The PRB is tasked with evaluating academic and clinical achievement, as well as actions that are contrary to the expectations for professional conduct and responsibility. Some examples of these acts may include breaches of trust such as plagiarism, unauthorized use of resources, or misrepresentation. Students are expected to satisfy obligations in all clinical, research, or training activities.
Conduct that is “inappropriate to the medical profession” is the responsibility of the PRB according to the Procedures for Consideration of Unprofessional Conduct. The PRB may designate an “independent fact-finder” to gather evidence and create a written summary. The PRB and Academic Society Advisory Dean are responsible for potentially imposing appropriate sanctions for non-academic violations based on many factors.
Dismissal at Harvard Medical School
When considering concerns of unprofessional student conduct the PRB has options including probation, suspension, and a “requirement to withdraw with or without recommendation to dismiss or expel.” Students that have been suspended or dismissed from HMS may petition for reconsideration (appeal). This request must be received in writing within 10 days. The grounds for an appeal are limited to either that a procedural error did occur during the process or that new evidence has suddenly emerged.
Academic Remediation Categories at HMS
Students who have failed to satisfy standards for academic performance are subject to remediation under the discretion of the Academic Society. They have eight defined categories as follows:
- Formal Notice
- Monitored Academic Status (MAS)
- Academic Probation (AP)
- Suspension
- The Requirement to Repeat an Academic Year
- Voluntary or Involuntary Leave of Absence
- Requirement to Withdraw
- Expulsion: Imposed by a vote of the HMS Faculty Council
Experienced Attorney Provides Advisory Representation for Medical School Students
Educational institutions understand the importance of having future physicians that adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Medical students must take remediation very seriously and do what is necessary to maintain a clean record with no history of disciplinary violations. If your background suggests that you are prone to misconduct or lack integrity, it can impede your admission to another medical school and limit your residency and employment options.
Medical students have already invested significant time and resources to complete their educational goals; therefore, too much is at stake when facing suspension or dismissal from an institution for violating professional standards of conduct. Having assistance from an advisory attorney is essential to ensure you are treated fairly and your best interests are acknowledged. Contact the Lento Law Firm today for assistance at (888) 535-3686.
