The University of Michigan School of Medicine (UMich) was the first medical school in the United States to build a university hospital where future physicians could learn. Its dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing students with incredible research opportunities and hands-on experience. In return, they expect their graduates to uphold the standards of the medical profession and provide their communities with exceptional patient-centered, evidence-based healthcare. To ensure students are up for the task, the university employs rigid academic and professional conduct rules. If a student is unable to follow these rules or maintain the level of academic progress the university requires, they run the risk of being dismissed from the program.
Many medical students believe they can defend themselves during such hearing procedures. Sadly, they end up being unsuccessful. Working with an attorney-advisor throughout the process is the best way to ensure you are not only prepared for your hearing, but it's also the only way to make sure your university upholds your due process rights. Call our offices today.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Like most medical schools, the University of Michigan Medical School has strict acceptance standards, including a higher MCAT score and high GPA. Medical schools are keen on maintaining their reputations and so, once a student is admitted to the school, their requirements just become more difficult. When students are unable to maintain them, the school is able to dismiss them and uphold their reputation for only educating the most capable of students. But sometimes, students are falsely accused of violating conduct rules or are never given a chance to remediate a failed course or test. Instead of being fully heard on the matter, the school decides to drop them from the program. If this happens, the university must be held responsible for inhibiting you from following your dreams. This is where Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team come in. Not only will they negotiate on your behalf prior to the hearing or conference, but they will also contact the university's Office of General Counsel to see what other avenues to resolution might be pursued.
Typically, students at UMich Medical School are dismissed for the following reasons:
- Sexual misconduct.
- Harassment or bullying.
- Assault or battery on another student, faculty member, or hospital personnel.
- Violating patient confidentiality.
- Failing one or more classes in an academic year.
- Title IX violations.
- Misusing technology at the hospital or on campus.
- Posting patient information or pictures on social media.
- Failing the USMLE Step 1 or 2 or both more than a few times.
- Failing any remediation plans offered by the university.
- Failing to maintain a satisfactory GPA.
- Discrimination.
- Hazing.
- Damaging university or hospital property or the property of another.
- Being sentenced in a criminal proceeding.
- Illegally possessing or using drugs.
- Intentionally and falsely reporting bombs, fires, or other emergencies to a university or law enforcement official.
- Perpetrating intimate partner violence.
- Stealing from anyone on campus or in the hospital setting.
Adjudication Process at the University of Michigan Medical School
All students, faculty, and staff are charged with reporting conduct violations. If a student is accused of violating any academic or professional conduct stipulations, the university will investigate the complaint and determine if there is any credence to it. In instances where they find preliminary evidence to support the complaint, they will notify the student and the complainant of a hearing date.
During the hearing, the accused student and the complainant will have a chance to present their arguments before the Resolution Coordinator. To present a comprehensive defense, you must gather relevant evidence and witness testimony to support your argument of non-responsibility. The other side is responsible for proving you committed the alleged action. If they are unable to convince the Resolution Coordinator that the evidence they've presented supports their argument, the matter will be thrown out.
However, if they are successful, the Resolution Coordinator will decide you are responsible for the accused action and what sanction to impose. Sanctions can include anything from a formal reprimand, disciplinary probation, and restitution to campus restrictions, removal from specific activities, suspension, and dismissal.
Additionally, though it is not explained on the university website, medical students who are found struggling with their work are supposed to be offered a chance to remediate – retake – the class, clerkship, or exam that they have failed. If your university does not offer you a chance to remediate, or you fail the remediation plan, you could be dismissed from the program. Most medical schools offer students the chance to meet with the progress committee to discuss their progression issues and negotiate for a different outcome than dismissal.
Hiring an attorney-advisor for these proceedings is the only way to ensure the best possible outcome, whether that's no sanctions, mitigated sanctions, or the ability to remediate.
Appeals Process
Whatever the outcome of the progression meeting or the disciplinary hearing, you have the right to appeal it. Appeals must be made to the Resolution Coordinator or progression committee within ten working days from the date you received their decisions. Additionally, appeals can only be made on one of the following grounds:
- The hearing body did not follow the proper procedures;
- The evidence presented did not support the finding;
- The sanctions or interventions are insufficient or excessive; or
- There is new evidence available now that was not reasonably available at the time of the hearing.
The party in charge of your appeal will review it and determine whether to uphold the original decision, remand it for further review, or amend it in some way.
How an Experienced Student Defense Attorney-Advisor Can Help
Medical defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Team can understand how hard you've worked to get into medical school. You shouldn't have to navigate these nuanced hearings alone, and any disciplinary measure placed against you can have serious ramifications on your future. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.
