The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix is one of three medical schools in the state with a highly competitive admissions policy. The institution commits itself to four pillars; education, research, clinical partners, and community to serve the diverse needs of its local population. Students wishing to gain acceptance and retain placement at the College of Medicine-Phoenix must demonstrate academic and ethical competence, preparing them for the austerities of their future professions.
Most medical students expect to juggle multiple responsibilities during training. However, the high expectations of their professors and unique personal circumstances may cause students to lag behind their peers. Chronic academic issues and professional concerns place students at a disadvantage, and they risk permanent dismissal from campus. Without the help of a skilled professional to guide them through the hearing and administrative processes, they risk graduation delays and lose time, money, and reputation.
Academic Policies and Behavioral Expectations
The College of Medicine-Phoenix expects students to maintain ethical behavior and act with integrity and respect, enforced by the Honor Code Committee. Students committing professional violations must stand before a committee and face sanctions ranging from a written warning to permanent dismissal.
Students must demonstrate academic competence and not only pass – but excel in their educational endeavors. Mastery of coursework allows future physicians to maintain and protect the health of their patients, and there is little room for error. Since doctors are in a profession of trust, the College of Medicine-Phoenix refines student knowledge and expects students to meet academic requirements.
Although it is necessary to maintain excellent conduct and high academic performance, students may fall behind due to personal reasons. Some medical college administrations may try to understand what is happening with the student and help them. In contrast, others are quick to make harsh judgments that significantly impact the student's future. Whether the administration has enough evidence to penalize the student or its decision is not factually based, all students have the right to defend themselves against harmful allegations.
Students who violate the College of Medicine-Phoenix honor code and who cannot achieve acceptable grades face sanctions that include permanent dismissal. Although medical schools have reputations to maintain and must level the playing field for all students, erroneous, overly harsh, and unfounded expulsions are not uncommon. Such repercussions negatively impact the student's future, including losing confidence and desire to become a physician.
Remediation Policy
Students with unsatisfactory grades may need remediation to improve their academic progress. However, remediation occurs within a set schedule published by the College of Medicine-Phoenix ahead of time. Once administrators determine that a student needs remediation, they schedule a meeting with the Associate Dean, Curricular Affairs, and Program Evaluation. The maximum length of remediation for a student is six weeks, and all students take it simultaneously during the term.
Although remediation may be an inconvenient option for students, it is necessary to progress to the next phase of their curriculums. However, it is not unheard of for students to receive a remediation notice despite not needing this step or a lack of evidence. At the College of Medicine-Phoenix, students may not retake an examination, assessment, or other remediation experience if they fail the first one, leading to dismissal. The lack of appeal options makes the remediation doubly stressful, which exacerbates student stress levels and places them at risk of failure.
The Repercussions of Dismissal
Expulsion is the last-resort option that medical schools take for egregious o chronic offenses. Dismissal from the College of Medicine-Phoenix has grave repercussions that could destroy a student's dream of becoming a doctor. Expelled students may need to travel abroad to start a new medical program. Some examples of the issues dismissed students encounter include:
- Reenrollment Challenges. Reputable medical schools are notoriously particular when it comes to accepting new students. Admissions officers will not hesitate to choose an applicant with no issues instead of one with a permanent discharge on their transcript.
- Reputation Loss. If a student receives an expulsion due to professional misconduct, they may not continue in the medical field due to reputation damage. Trust is vital in the medical industry and between peers.
- New Curriculum. Medical students cannot pick up where they left off. If they manage to find placement in another medical school, they must work based on the new program's requirements.
- Loss of money. Medical school is expensive, and many students take out loans or apply for scholarships. With an expulsion charge, scholarships become void, and students still have to pay off their debts. Unexpected personal and housing expenses may also cause a student to fall further behind in debt.
Medical students may not know the best way to approach allegations of academic issues or professional misconduct with so much on the line. Evidence and witnesses are not enough; students and their families must have a defense strategy and support system to help guide them through this distressing time.
Contacting an Attorney-Advisor
Students can face panels and administrators alone, but this is misguided, as the help of a seasoned professional can best defend against potentially life-altering decisions. An attorney advisor understands how to approach each case and identifies procedural errors, bias, and lack of justification for overly harsh decisions like a dismissal.
Attorney advisor Joseph D. Lento effectively works with medical students facing dismissal for academic issues and professional violations. With unparalleled experience working with students in the most exacting medical schools, Attorney Lento helps students and their families increase their chances of a favorable outcome for their unique case.
Medical students have a right to due process. They should not be the scapegoats of overzealous committees using them as an example for others. Attorney advisor Lento protects students from becoming victims, working to reduce the impact of unfair sanctions on their education.
You have options and rights despite the nature of your violation or your academic issues. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 for a thorough and transparent breakdown of your options.
