The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is one of the most well-regarded research institutions in the United States, placing itself on the cutting edge of medicine with its Pitt National Sports Brain Bank and commitment to training capable medical professionals.
Being dismissed from Pitt School of Medicine could dash your opportunity to capitalize on the first-class facilities and training that your program affords. Furthermore, dismissal could sully your reputation in ways that have long-ranging consequences for your career.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team will fight to preserve your enrollment and clean record, helping you avoid dismissal and continue undeterred towards your medical ambitions.
Why Medical Students May Face Dismissal from the University of Pittsburgh
Behavioral misconduct, including allegations of unethical, dangerous, or unprofessional behavior, may result in dismissal. Specific conduct that may fall under the umbrella of dismissal-worthy behaviors include:
- Any form of academic misconduct
- Sexual misconduct
- Unprofessionalism (which may stem from interactions with patients, superiors, or fellow medical students)
- Substance misuse
- Unexplained absences
- Any other act prohibited by the Pitt School of Medicine's Code of Conduct
Poor academic or clinical performance may also be grounds for dismissal when this conduct is prolonged or significant in nature.
The Policy on Standards for Performance and Satisfactory Academic Progress (p.1) notes that “under certain circumstances, the Committee on Student Promotions may recommend dismissal.
The University of Pittsburgh Dismissal Adjudication Process
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine student handbook (p.18) notes that conduct that could lead to dismissal falls under the Level II Hearing Process. The handbook details this process, which involves:
A Pre-Hearing Process
Before a hearing takes place, expect to undergo:
- A Disciplinary Conference with an Office of Student Conduct representative: The Disciplinary Conference may actually take place over multiple meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to explain the allegations against the Respondent, determine sanctions as proposed by the Hearing Officer, and allow you to accept responsibility for the allegations or instead move forward with a Conduct Board Hearing.
- Presentation of a witness list: After the Hearing Officer has scheduled your hearing, you (or your representative) will present a list of witnesses you intend to call during the hearing. This list will also include a synopsis of the testimony the witness will give.
- Submission of documentary evidence: You will also need to submit an accounting of any evidence you plan to present during the hearing.
You must submit both the witness list and evidence list within ten days of the hearing date. You will have the chance to review the witness list of the Complainant in your case but must submit a request to do so.
A Hearing
A designated Student Conduct Officer will moderate your hearing. The hearing process generally involves:
- Each side lodging any necessary objections about evidence or witnesses proposed by the other side
- The moderator reading the allegations against you
- Each side stating their oral case
- Each side presenting evidence and witnesses
- Each side cross-examining the other side's witnesses (should they choose to)
Throughout the hearing, the Hearing Moderator or members of the Conduct Board presiding over the hearing can ask questions to the Complainant or Respondent.
A Final Decision
Following the hearing, the Conduct Board will issue a decision, which may include a finding of responsibility or dismissal of the case. If the Conduct Board finds you responsible for the allegations, it may recommend sanctions.
An Appeals Process (if Necessary)
You will have five days from the date of receiving the final decision letter to file an appeal. Your attorney-advisor from the Lento Law Firm team will be prepared to file your appeal promptly after receiving notice of any unacceptable decision.
The student handbook also details unique disciplinary procedures for offenses that qualify as Level I offenses. While the manual notes that “most” conduct referrals qualify as Level I offenses, those that could result in dismissal fall to the Office of Student Conduct under the Level II disciplinary framework.
Furthermore, you may face a different process if you face possible dismissal for reasons related to academic or clinical performance.
Who Decides If I Will Be Dismissed?
The Dean of Students will have final authority over whether you are dismissed or face other sanctions for alleged misconduct or academic difficulties. While the Conduct Board will issue a recommendation to the Dean, the Dean can:
- Increases (harshen) the sanctions recommended by the Conduct Board
- Decrease (lessen) the recommended sanctions
- Alter the recommendations in any other manner the Dean sees fit
Your attorney will consider any necessary legal measures in light of an adverse ruling from the Dean of Students.
Potential Alternatives to Dismissal (Which the Lento Law Firm Team Will Pursue for You)
The nature of the problem you face will dictate the potential resolutions available to you. Remedies that we may pursue on your behalf include:
- A grade change, which may help you avoid dismissal related to academic performance
- Probation, which may be a much-preferred alternative to dismissal
- A behavioral plan, which may set clear standards for rectifying any behaviors that have landed you in trouble
- Dismissing your case, whether through standard disciplinary procedures or other channels
We will negotiate directly with the University of Pittsburgh's Office of General Counsel (OGC) if it is appropriate in your case. This is the school's attorneys, who may have broad power to resolve student issues, including yours.
Our familiarity negotiating with medical schools' attorneys is one reason students hire the Lento Law Firm Team to represent them.
Call the Lento Law Firm Today for a Consultation About How We Can Defend You
Our team understands the gravity of any medical school problem. Any form of sanction can be a glaring blemish on an otherwise stellar academic or behavioral record. We want to help you keep your academic and professional goals intact.
Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online. Medical school issues can have lasting effects, even dashing your goals in medicine. Our firm will work to resolve the problem(s) you face as efficiently and favorably as possible.
