Since 1828, the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) at Augusta University has provided a top-tier education to future doctors and healthcare professionals from across the nation. At MCG, students can work towards a variety of degrees, including MDs, PhDs, dual degrees, and a master's degree in Anesthesia.
The school emphasizes community service and ensures that its students are involved in addressing disparities in healthcare across the state. At the same time, MCG produces stellar research — making the school an incredible resource for both clinical care and cutting-edge biomedical data.
To support that reputation, MCG also has high standards. Each medical student at MCG is subject to stringent expectations. If any student fails to meet these expectations, MCG may respond by expelling the student.
This can be devastating. It's also not necessary. If you retain the services of Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Education Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm, you can create a persuasive argument to defend yourself, file a strategic appeal, and take other steps to protect your reputation and your future.
What Actions Merit Dismissal at MCG?
“To protect our sense of responsibility to each other and to our patients we must, as students, learn to develop and maintain fair, ethical standards.”
That's a line from the Medical College of Georgia Honor System, a system put in place to help maintain the strong academic reputation and dedication to patient care that MCG has. All students who attend MCG must abide by the stipulations of this honor system, as well as the behavioral codes of conduct held by the larger Augusta University.
According to these policies, some of the punishable behaviors the school has identified as potentially meriting dismissal include:
- Plagiarism
- Behavioral concerns (e.g., hazing and bullying)
- Sexual misconduct
- Professionalism concerns
- Cheating
- Unauthorized collaboration
In some cases, MCG may also recommend dismissal if a student has failed to progress academically according to the school's standards. If MCG hears from a teacher, fellow student, or any other person that you might be falling behind in school or associated with any of the above-mentioned behaviors, MCG could decide to launch an investigation into your alleged conduct.
This can be wildly intimidating. And it's extremely important that you don't brush off or underestimate the power of an investigation. Very likely, your school's administration will make up its mind about your responsibility for the alleged infraction during this initial investigational stage — so it's vital to handle the investigation properly. Attorney-Advisor Lento and his team can support you and your desired outcome through every stage of this frustrating, stressful process.
What Happens After MCG Investigates Me?
Once MCG decides to learn more about your allegedly problematic behavior, your school's administration should send you a notice detailing your next steps, the specific section of your school's code of conduct you have broken, and any other information your school feels that you need at the time.
If you haven't already, this notice is an excellent indicator that you need to retain premier student defense Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and his team.
After MCG has concluded its investigation, you will receive an invitation to a formal disciplinary hearing. This hearing will constitute your chance to tell your side of the story. It'll also be a scary event: During the hearing, your school will review the evidence it has against you, which can include hearing witness testimonials.
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and his team will prepare you for your hearing. He'll make sure that you know exactly what you need to say, and work with you until you're comfortable delivering your statement.
At the end of your school's hearing, the MCG administration will issue its decision regarding your alleged responsibility for misconduct (or academic issues). It will also recommend a sanction. If your assumed misbehaviors were particularly severe, that sanction could come in the form of a dismissal.
I've Just Been Dismissed from MCG. What Now?
Fortunately, as final as a recommendation for dismissal from MCG may seem, you do have some room to work. With the Education Defense Team at your side, you may tackle the following actions to give yourself time, reduce your sanction, and protect your status as a medical student:
- File an appeal with your school. You'll only have one shot to do this properly, so working with Attorney-Advisor Lento will be critical.
- Negotiate directly with MCG's office of general counsel. Attorney-Advisor Lento will head up these negotiations for you.
- File a lawsuit. This is a dramatic step to take, but if it's the right thing to do for your future, the Education Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm will assist.
Georgia Medical Students, Call Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento Today
If you're a medical student at Augusta Medical College of Georgia, you've invested a considerable amount of time and resources into your education and your future as a healthcare professional.
Yet, in just a few days, all of that effort can be for nothing. If you get expelled now, it will be extremely difficult to get into another medical school — or, if you are able to get your degree, get hired with disciplinary events on your permanent record.
You don't have to go through that. Retain the services of Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Education Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm, and you'll have a much higher chance of experiencing your desired outcome.
For years, Attorney-Advisor Lento and his team have helped students both in Georgia and nationwide avoid unfair, outsized consequences associated with alleged misconduct or academic issues. Whether you require help preparing for a disciplinary hearing or are interested in filing the best possible appeal, the Lento Law Firm Team can help.
Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 to learn more about how we can help you, or contact the Lento Law Firm online.
