In 1898, the Cornell University Medical College was founded in New York, which today is Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) which is a leading medical school with more than 1,300 students. The administration requires students to adhere to the “highest integrity and ethical standards” that are expected of professionals in the medical field. Students must strive to achieve success and remain accountable for their academic and non-academic ventures.
Students in medical school are on a long journey toward practicing medicine. The standards for academic performance are high and each school also maintains guidelines for professionalism. Medical students who are the subject of disciplinary actions including suspension and dismissal could find themselves facing less desirable residency options, employment opportunities, and reduced earning potential. Having an experienced attorney in an advisory role is critical for navigating the process and seeking a positive resolution.
Professionalism and Protocols for Handling Lapses at WCM
The Weill Cornell Medical College Program in Medical Education guidelines explain that professionalism is composed of a variety of elements. At WCM, a student's professionalism is assessed in four categories as follows:
- Responsibility, integrity, and ethics
- Self-improvement
- Patient relationships
- Relationships with the medical team and systems
A lapse in professionalism may involve breaching professional behavior or a failure to exhibit sufficient professional attributes. Lapses may happen in the classroom, clinical, social, or online environments. If a lapse occurs, an administrator will meet with the student to create a Professionalism Evaluation Report (PR) that outlines an appropriate plan of remedial action. The Student Evaluation Committee (SEC) and Promotions and Graduation (P&G) Committees review PRs if a student accrues two or more or if an isolated act is particularly serious.
Dismissal
If warranted, the Senior Associate Dean may appoint a committee to review the student's appropriateness for practicing medicine. Students who consistently fail to satisfy standards for professional conduct, academics, or policy compliance are subject to disciplinary measures including dismissal. Students may appeal rulings that result in suspension or dismissal within 14 days.
Remediation
Remediation is an element of medical education that seeks to improve student academic performance to ensure graduates are truly qualified for the medical profession. At WCM, a Student Evaluation Committee monitors academic progress each term and may consider remediation when needed. If the P&G committee recognizes academic difficulties in multiple courses or programs, they may employ “global remediation” that is very broad and also have the student attend counseling.
Experienced Advisory Attorney for Medical Students
Students in medical school have a great deal at stake when subject to disciplinary action for failing to meet academic standards or lapses in professional conduct, etc. Those who are suspended or dismissed may have great difficulty being admitted to another medical school or residency program and may face long-term challenges in obtaining employment. Maintaining a clean record is critical; therefore, the best course of action is to seek assistance from an experienced attorney-adviser.
Today's institutions of medical education and research are dedicated to maintaining an impeccable reputation. Administrators that are responsible for disciplinary processes may move hastily to resolve these matters and impose disproportionately harsh sanctions. Attorney Joseph D. Lento understands the potentially adverse consequences and will work diligently to support your best interests. Contact the office today at (888) 535-3686.
