The Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) in Camden, New Jersey was recently established in 2012. The school fosters an environment for education in the field of medicine based on “inclusiveness, excellence in patient care, innovative teaching, research, and service to our community.” The institutional leadership is devoted to mentoring, respect for others, and advocating for the health of all patients. Students are continually assessed to ensure they are progressing following these fundamentals.
Aside from stringent academic standards for performance that are potentially subject to programs of remediation, institutions maintain expectations for professionalism and scholastic integrity. Medical school students must act promptly action to protect their future by mitigating risks that may result in difficulty in admission to preferred residency programs and employment opportunities if the disciplinary issues are unresolved. Retaining an experienced attorney-adviser that understands these processes can be the difference for protecting your rights to and best interests and reaching a favorable resolution.
Common Examples of Lacking Professionalism
- Demonstrating an inability to properly respond to high-pressure situations and intense circumstances
- Exhibiting a lack of patience, compassion or empathy
- Failing to make a reasonable effort to improve or failing to acknowledge constructive criticism
The CMSRU leadership established the Student Code of Conduct and ethical standards based on the expectations that are basic to medical practice. Professionalism is a broad term; however, it is seen as a critical core competency. Potential violations of professional expectations and forms of misconduct are evaluated by the Hearing Body for Student Rights.
Grounds for Dismissal
Students that have accumulated 15 credits and have remained on academic probation an entire year are subject to dismissal from the University. The Office of the Provost is responsible for sending a written notification for suspension, probation, and dismissal.
Before considering dismissal, other lesser sanctions including required counseling or suspension are likely. Students with particularly egregious violations are subject to immediate dismissal. When the Hearing Body for Student Rights believes that dismissal is warranted, the student is referred to the Academic Standing Committee (ASC) who may confirm the expulsion.
Remediation for Academic Deficiencies
In the realm of medical education, remediation is a plan for correcting unsatisfactory academic performance. Medical students may find themselves struggling in their coursework and often benefit from guidance and monitoring. CMSRU students are regularly subject to formative assessments from faculty and the Office of Medical Education that provide feedback and identifies areas in need of improvement.
Students that are failing to progress according to the academic standards are subject to the Grading, Promotions and Appeals Policy (GPA). The process of academic remediation involves an “improvement plan” that is customized based on the circumstances. Students that fail to satisfy all the phases of the CMSRU educational requirements are ineligible for graduation.
Medical School Student Advisory Attorney
Students in today's medical schools have too much at stake when they are facing disciplinary proceedings stemming from issues including substandard academic performance, forms of unprofessional conduct, academic integrity concerns, and more. The field of medicine maintains high standards for personal integrity and truthfulness. Students who are the subject of remedial or corrective disciplinary action should seek assistance from an experienced attorney-adviser.
Retaining seasoned legal representation to serve in an advisory role better ensures the school's specific disciplinary procedures and processes are correctly interpreted and that you are afforded rights of due process. Attorney Joseph D. Lento fully understands the adverse repercussions that may result and will work toward furthering your best interests. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at (888) 535-3686 for additional information.
