Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) is a public medical school established in 1973 in Norfolk, Virginia. This diverse, future-forward medical school trains students to become passionate physicians who can use their experience throughout their careers. Because the school is competitive and selective, being a medical student at EVMS is a gateway to multiple career opportunities after graduation. But to stay enrolled and benefit from the opportunities EVMS can offer, you must maintain excellent behavior and keep up with the program requirements. Failure to do s leads to many issues, including sanctions like suspension and dismissal. With these on your permanent record, you may not be able to find a suitable program to rejoin or become a physician.
Being a medical student is an exciting and demanding time in your life. This part of your educational journey allows you to immerse yourself in the world of healthcare and learn essential concepts that help you become a successful doctor. But due to the immense pressure to succeed and keep up with your peers, it is possible for lapses in judgment to happen and for you to make mistakes. Although mistakes are part of the learning process, some have heavier repercussions than others. If you are facing sanctions or received a notice about allegations against you at EVMS, you must take action immediately. Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team are by your side when the worst happens.
Common Reasons For Dismissal
Dismissal from medical school is a major issue that causes long and short-term issues for you as a medical student. It leads to multiple issues like reputation damage, lack of credibility, financial issues, and loss of morale. Some of the most common reasons for dismissal include lack of ethical behavior, academic issues, and misconduct. Since you are training to become a physician, medical school administrators scrutinize your progress and how you work with others. While some issues require minor corrective action, others may lead to a hearing where you must defend against allegations against a panel. Although attending a hearing is a stressful process, having Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team decreases the pressure on you. With their knowledge of handling cases like yours nationwide, the team has the experience to help you aim for a better case outcome.
Adjudication Process at EVMS
Any member of EVMS who believes that a medical student violated the rules mentioned in the student handbook has five business days to submit a complaint to the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs using the Honor Code Reporting Form. Once they receive the report, they review the contents to determine whether the issues warrant an investigation. If it does, they conduct an investigation and ask the medical student to attend an introductory meeting within three days to discuss the allegation. After the meeting ends, the student receives a notice to determine whether they will attend a hearing.
If the student must attend a hearing, they will stand before the honor council and the hearing panel. During this process, witnesses are present, and the student may make a statement to those present regarding the allegations. Once the process ends, the Honor Council Advisor and the panel decide whether the student is at fault, depending on a majority vote. Once that concludes, the panel then proceeds with sanctioning deliberations. Once the panel decides on a sanction, they read the decision to the student, and the hearing concludes.
Appeals Process
Fortunately, students may appeal a sanctions decision. To do so, they must submit a written request to the Appeal Review Committee within five business days based on the following grounds:
- A substantial lack of due process prevents a fair outcome
- The emergence of new information that was not available during the time of the initial hearing may change the trajectory of the case.
Once the Appeal Review Committee receives the appeal, they review your request and determine whether they will grant it via a majority vote. After this appeal, no further requests are possible. Whether you are starting the process recently or are in the appeals phase, the help of Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team makes a significant difference in your mood, morale, and defense strategy. With years of experience working with students accused of wrongdoing nationwide, the team works tirelessly to reduce the likelihood of dismissal.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
When you are a student in medical school, you may feel overwhelmed by the influx of information and responsibilities you must navigate. Although mistakes are part of the learning process, some have worse repercussions than others. With everything that can go wrong, you need the help of Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team. With their passion for justice, knowledge, and experience working on all types of cases, the team is by your side when you aren't sure of the next steps.
Even if you believe the allegations against you are minor, hearing panels may make mistakes or not initiate the right process. And regardless of the violation or error, you deserve fair treatment, respect, and due process during this stressful time.
A dismissal from medical school due to behavioral, ethical, or academic issues leaves a black mark on your permanent record and may upend your future. Your reputation and future as a doctor are on the line, especially if you are nearing the completion of your program. Don't let one mistake be the end of your dreams as a doctor – especially since getting into another medical school can be challenging despite your best efforts.
Everyone makes mistakes, sometimes more than one, on their journey to becoming a medical professional. If you or someone you love face allegations of academic, behavioral, or ethical issues, now is the time to act. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 for more information about how to approach your case.
