The Albany Medical College, one of the country's oldest private medical schools, was established in 1839. From an initial enrolment of just 57 students, it has grown into one of the country's most premier medical schools, offering world-class education, a warm, nurturing environment, and a place where students can lay the foundation for distinguished medical careers. Albany Medical College now offers degrees in Medicine (MD), Nurse Anesthesiology, Physician Assistant Studies, Bioethics, and Biomedical Sciences.
It is also one of 135 nationwide chapters of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society, founded in 1902.
Studying to be a medical professional comes with critical responsibilities and duties. It requires integrity, a high degree of ethics, and a sense of responsibility. Albany Medical College maintains high standards of personal and academic integrity and has a strict code of conduct that students must follow. Any student found violating these rules or behaving in a manner that lowers the academic and behavioral standards at Albany Medical College could find themselves facing strict sanctions, with the possibility of suspension, expulsion, or dismissal.
Many things can go wrong during a disciplinary hearing – and the outcome can have long-standing consequences for your academic record and career. Don't let a dismissal or sanction ruin your career – consult the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team to help you put together a solid defense and protect yourself from harsh disciplinary action.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
AMC's Student Handbook contains all the principles, policies, guidelines, and rules the college expects students to follow and what consequences students may face in case of a violation.
With high academic standards to live up to, students at AMC are expected to maintain a certain level of academic performance. Poor academic performance may be grounds for having to repeat a year or even be dismissed.
Behavioral issues, including unethical or unprofessional conduct, are also one of the main reasons for dismissal. Medical professionals are expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism and ethics. Divulging confidential patient information, mistreatment of patients, instructors, or colleagues, plagiarism or cheating, dishonesty, violent or destructive behavior, and drug use are all grounds for severe sanctions, including dismissal.
The Adjudication Process
When a student is found in violation of school rules or is displaying unsatisfactory academic performance, they are first notified in writing. Students at AMC then have 10 business days to present an explanation to the Promotions Committee. The student, during this period, may submit a written request to meet with an Ad Hoc Subcommittee of the Promotions Committee. The subcommittee will then submit its findings to the Promotions Committee for deliberation.
At this stage, the student will not be entitled to a hearing before the Promotions Committee. The committee will then make its decision and forward it to the Office of the Dean for implementation. Once the student has been notified of this decision, they may appeal it.
Even though there is no hearing involved, retaining the services of the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can make a huge difference to your case. A lot can go wrong when you attempt to deal with serious charges single-handedly. The student defense attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can help you frame your defense in the best possible way, collect and present any evidence that might help your case, and draft an explanation that is viewed favorably by the Promotions Committee.
Non-academic instances or any cases that are outside the purview of the Promotion Committee or the Student Honor Committee will be referred to the Dean, who will investigate and may decide to convene a disciplinary hearing, especially if dismissal is involved. The student has the right to be present at this hearing and may be accompanied by a single legal counsel and by their faculty advisor. The legal counsel may advise the student but may not participate in the proceedings.
The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help you strengthen your case and present your explanation or defense in the most professional way. The outcome of a school disciplinary hearing can change the course of your entire professional career – so do not take it lightly and make sure to retain professional legal counsel.
Appeals
If sanctions have been imposed on you by the Academic Governance Council, the Promotions Committee, the Dean, or other school authorities, you have the right to request an appeal. The Committee on Student Appeals at AMC shall then decide whether an appeals hearing is warranted.
If the committee decides to proceed with a formal hearing, they will make an effort to schedule a meeting with the student not less than 3 or more than 12 business days following receipt of an appeal. The committee may decide whether or not to interview the student and other persons connected with the case at this hearing and will base their deliberations on these interviews along with any written material the student may have submitted in their academic and behavioral record and any other written documentation or evidence the committee may possess.
The Committee on Student Appeals will then report the result of its deliberations in writing within 24 hours to the student involved and the Vice Dean. The Dean's final decision will then be binding.
Even if you have been dismissed or are facing other severe sanctions, there is still hope. The Lento Law Firm can help you put together your written appeal and help you frame strong arguments in support of your case. The student defense attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can also help you draft responses to the questions the appeals committee may ask you.
Hiring a Student Defense Attorney
Consider getting in touch with the Lento Law Firm at the earliest possible stage if you are facing dismissal from AMC. The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has years of experience defending students against dismissal and other severe sanctions and can work with you to protect your rights and help you present a strong defense.
Why take a chance with your career? With a team of professionals at your side, you can be sure to put up a strong defense that results in a favorable outcome for you.
Do not ruin the hard work you've put towards getting this far. If you're facing dismissal from medical school, the Lento Law Firm can help you. Call us at 888.535.3686 or tell us about your case today.
