Established in 1977, St. George's University (SGU) School of Medicine boasts a robust and challenging curriculum that fosters an atmosphere of diversity and inclusion. SGU is among the top Caribbean Medical Schools and provides its students with multiple career opportunities both locally and abroad. To maintain standards of ethical conduct and remain one of the premier medical schools in the region, SGU expects students to follow and abide by its Code of conduct. Those who violate the code face sanctions that include probation, suspension, and, in severe cases, permanent dismissal.
Medical students do not have it easy when it comes to professional and academic expectations. The rigorous standards that they must abide by prepare students for the challenging role of becoming a doctor later on. As physicians are in positions of public trust, a solid educational foundation based on ethical principles and sound performance is a must for current medical students. However, mistakes do happen, and students may face bogus allegations. Without an appropriate defense strategy, medical students can face significant setbacks, and delays could threaten their graduation prospects and career opportunities.
Honor Code
SGU commits itself to high standards of integrity and expects its students to abide by the University Honor Code. After matriculation, students must sign and adhere to the principles outlined in the Code, including:
“Adhering to the University policy of maintaining a high standard of honor and academic integrity, refraining from violations of these ideals by breach of this Code of Conduct, for example, cheating, plagiarizing, lying, or stealing; and accepting the responsibility for reporting such wrongdoing upon witness. [Students must] adhere to all University safety and security rules and regulations as stated in the student manual”.
Students must also abide by the standards of professional behavior outlined in SGU's student manual. These standards include the demonstration of acceptable ethical behavior at all times while on and off-campus. Medical students who do not abide by the rules face repercussions that include probation but may extend to permanent dismissal if the allegations are especially severe.
Remediation
Medical students must maintain satisfactory academic performance to receive a degree from SGU. If the student consistently fails to maintain good grades, they must meet with the Academic Progress Review Committee. The student's progress receives careful review if they fail to improve, even after remediation. Continuous underperformance leads to permanent dismissal.
Remediation comes with additional time, hassle, and potentially unexpected funds to complete. Despite their drawbacks, remediation requirements and the extra emphasis on raising one's grades are necessary to partake in a medical career after graduation successfully. Although students may loathe taking remediation courses, they are the only option if they wish to pursue medical studies at SGU.
Expulsion
The permanent dismissal from SGU can lead to significant delays for a medical student. The most common reason for expulsion from SGU is a lack of adequate academic performance. However, professional and behavioral violations may also be grounds for dismissal. Students facing permanent dismissal have to manage the multiple obstacles that arise from this decision, such as:
- Challenges finding alternate programs. Students who have an expulsion on their permanent record may have difficulties finding another program that accepts them. The precedence goes to applications free of issues, especially when the violation is of an ethical or behavioral nature.
- Loss of progress. Medical students cannot pick up where they left off in their former program. Since every medical school is different, students may have to start a medical program from scratch, which significantly prolongs the time it takes to become doctors.
- Additional and unexpected expenses. With student loans, daily expenditures, and the possibility of needing to take out more student loans, it's no wonder why some expelled students refuse to pursue a medical degree. Additional expenses are burdensome and take years to pay off, even if the student becomes a successful doctor in the future.
Appeals Process
Students may appeal sanctions imposed by SGU on the condition that it doesn't relate to academic probation. Suppose the student believes that the penalties imposed are disproportionate to the charge. In that case, they must send a written letter to the Dean. The latter establishes an Appeals Panel based on the validity of the appeal. If granted, students must be present at the Appeals Panel hearing. Once the panel makes a final decision, they send the Dean their recommendations. The appeal is not subject to review.
Students must ensure that they have a solid defense strategy and approach the appeal with caution if they desire a change in the outcome. The best way to successfully draft an appeal letter is to speak with a skilled advisor with years of experience working with students facing sanctions. With the right approach and a foolproof strategy, students are less likely to face the harsh repercussions of a permanent expulsion that has heavy implications on their academic progress.
Hiring an Advisor
Although SGU has multiple comprehensive policies, its sanctions and appeals process is vague, lacking information that helps students make informed decisions. Advisor Joseph D. Lento understands the frustration that students feel during this time, especially when there are no clear guidelines that students follow when faced with misconduct allegations.
Medical students have multiple personal and academic responsibilities to juggle. Imposing sanctions that have crippling effects on the student's progress prevents them from becoming doctors, derails their educational experience, and forces them to start from zero.
Suppose you or a family member face allegations of behavioral or professional misconduct. In that case, advisor Joseph D. Lento can significantly decrease the likelihood of an unfavorable case outcome. With years of experience working with students facing sanctions, advisor Lento helps you receive a fair case outcome when you have nowhere to turn.
Don't let a mistake or baseless allegation end your dream of becoming a doctor. Talk to an expert who has the knowledge and experience to decrease the likelihood of sabotaging your professional path. Call Lento Law Firm today for a confidential consultation at 888-535-3686.
