Founded in 1891 in St. Louis, Missouri, the Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) has a prestigious history in the US and abroad. Not only is WUSM a historical institution – it's among the world's best, and maintaining principles of academic excellence and integrity is an administrative priority. The stress of attending medical school includes juggling multiple responsibilities, financial debt, and information overload. These responsibilities can lead even the most diligent student to stumble, but the repercussions shouldn't be permanent.
Medical schools differ from other universities in that they educate future physicians and healthcare specialists. Students can't simply pass their courses – they must excel at them. More importantly, becoming a future doctor means establishing relationships of trust with peers and patients. Violating ethical principles or underperforming at WUSM comes with heavy repercussions, and students may face permanent dismissal. Medical students work hard to receive their degrees, but unfair allegations or mistakes do happen. An attorney-advisor ensures that students receive a fair hearing and evaluation, working closely with students to increase the chances of a favorable resolution.
Honor Code
WUSM applies the university-wide student conduct policy that outlines its community standards and expectations. The main goal is to create an environment that encourages learning and collaboration fairly and transparently. WUSM maintains that its conduct standards foster a community of inquisitive learners, adding that:
“Effective learning, teaching and research all depend upon the ability of members of the academic community to trust one another and to trust the integrity of work that is submitted for academic credit or conducted in the wider arena of scholarly research. Such an atmosphere of mutual trust fosters the free exchange of ideas and enables all members of the community to achieve their highest potential”.
Less-serious offenses receive a review by the student conduct officer. In contrast, more egregious violations may involve both the university and law enforcement. While academic integrity and honorable conduct are necessary to preserve WUSM's legacy and reputation, bogus allegations still occur, and innocent students pay the price. Despite the investigation process and evidence review, a hearing may lead to multiple sanctions, some that hinder or completely upend a student's graduation chances.
Remediation
Throughout their time at WUSM, medical students receive consistent feedback about their educational progress. Assessments and performance reviews give students an overview of their medical knowledge and highlight deficiencies and concern areas. If academic performance remains subpar, the Committee on the Academic and Professional Evaluation of Students (CAPES) reviews the case. CAPES then creates an actionable educational plan that helps students complete their courses. In some instances, CAPES may require that a student repeat an academic year to stay ahead.
Students that continuously underperform risk receiving a termination of enrollment by CAPES. Breaches of academic or disciplinary actions undergo a hearing, where seven CAPES members vote on sanctions or penalties. For medical students working on their degrees for years, CAPES penalties extend graduation times and derail the student's medical career.
Expulsion
Students accused of serious ethical violations or chronic academic underperformance face permanent dismissal. Expulsion is the final resort for WUSM and rarely happens without a reasonable cause. However, when mistakes happen, or allegations are untrue, it takes double the effort to get back on track. Students that receive expulsion face a fresh set of challenges when they want to continue their educational path, such as:
Trouble re-enrolling in another university. Students that receive a permanent dismissal have the charge on their permanent records. It is under WUSM's discretion to mention whether a student’s release incurs an honorable or dishonorable discharge. A new medical school reviewing the student's file may prefer enrolling other medical students, especially with limited placement options.
Loss of time and effort: Medical school is an intense experience for students, and coursework is notoriously heavy. Even if students spend years studying and making progress, an allegation of misconduct or lack of performance may lead to expulsion. All of a student's time and effort goes to waste, and they must start over at another program.
Heavy financial repercussions. One of the most concerning aspects of expulsion is the financial debt that students rack up. Not only do students still need to pay off their debts, but they also must register at a new university that leads to more expenses. Student loans and financial burdens take years to pay off, and their future salary takes a significant cut as a result.
Appeals
WUSM's policy maintains that students deserve fair treatment and have an appeals process for CAPES decisions and ethical violations. Students who have new information to present to the panel or those who believe that the process was not fair may submit their appeal to the Appeals Committee. The dean of the School of Medicine appoints members of this Committee.
Students may appeal the Appeals Committee's decision within ten days of receiving the result of the review. The dean of the School of Medicine receives the appeal, reviews the findings, and makes a final decision regarding the case.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
The appeals and hearings process is a nerve-wracking experience for medical students – especially those that dream of being future physicians. Without the proper support, students are at a disadvantage and face multiple issues that prevent them from graduating. An attorney-advisor like Joseph D. Lento understands what's at stake and helps medical students receive a fair and thorough hearing.
Medical students face a tremendous amount of pressure to perform and maintain a future doctor's ethical conduct. However, students also learn through their experiences, and mistakes happen. These mistakes should not be why a student loses an opportunity to graduate, especially when they pay thousands to receive their degree.
Attorney Lento helps students facing academic sanctions or expulsion maintain their reputations and fight for a fair outcome. Whether it's being exonerated, reducing the impact of potential sanctions, or appealing a committee's decision, attorney-advisor Lento can successfully navigate the potential risk of WUSM'S permanent solution to a reasonable outcome. Call the Lento Law Firm today for a discreet discussion about your case at (888) 535-3686.
