Physician is among the most noble professions. That's probably why they make it so hard to become one. Obviously, you need to know everything there is to know about medicine before you graduate. No one wants to worry whether their doctor is competent when they're sitting in the waiting room. But “noble” doesn't just involve knowledge. It also involves ethics, professionalism, and dedication. Cooper Medical School requires you to excel in all of these areas before it grants you a diploma.
The thing is, no one is perfect, not even doctors. And you're not a doctor just yet. You're going to make mistakes. Probably lots of them. Plus, misunderstandings happen. Occasionally, false accusations happen. That's a lot to worry about. How do you make sure you stay out of trouble and make it to graduation?
At the first sign of trouble, before anyone even brings up the “D” word—Dismissal—you contact the Lento Law Firm. We're experienced at helping students, and we're dedicated to making sure your school treats you fairly. To find out more about how we can help, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
You need to know that Cooper Medical (CMSRU) can't dismiss you without cause. You have rights. If you're in trouble, then it's likely for one of two very specific reasons: either you're having trouble meeting academic standards, or you've committed some form of misconduct.
- Academic Deficiencies: As the student handbook points out, CMSRU holds you responsible for developing a long list of general competencies, including things like medical knowledge, patient care, systems-based practice, and scholarly inquiry. You're regularly evaluated on these competencies throughout your coursework and your clinic hours. Don't panic. You're still a student, so no one expects you to master them all in the first term. The school isn't going to dismiss you should you fail a class or struggle in clinic. Normally, you'll be assigned a remediation plan to help you make up for any academic deficiencies. However, the school's patience is not infinite. You can be dismissed if you struggle consistently.
- Misconduct: You might be surprised to learn that Cooper Medical takes your conduct more seriously than it takes your coursework. Fall behind in class, and the worst you'll probably face is remediation. Mistreat a patient, and you may not get a second chance to improve. And there are a lot of ways to commit misconduct. The Handbook contains an extensive Honor Code, for example, which prohibits all forms of cheating and plagiarism. There's a list of unprofessional behaviors to avoid. You can even wind up dismissed for things that have nothing to do with the curriculum. You're subject to a background check before you enroll, and any criminal conviction while you're in school—even for something as relatively minor as a DUI—is grounds for dismissal.
Sorting out who has jurisdiction over you can be pretty complicated at CMSRU. Academic issues are in the hands of the school's Academic Standing Committee. That committee is also responsible for dealing with issues of professionalism that relate directly to the curriculum. Honor Code violations, on the other hand, and non-academic misconduct are handled by the school's Hearing Body for Student Rights. It's not easy to navigate these various systems—just one reason you need an experienced attorney from the Lento Law Firm on your side.
Fighting Dismissal
Again, you cannot simply be dismissed from CMSRU. There are clear processes in place and procedures that must be followed any time the school wants to dismiss you. Those differ, however, depending on the nature of the allegations against you.
- Academic Deficiencies: You always have the right to appeal a specific grade from an instructor. Once those grades are finalized, though, it can be difficult to challenge an Academic Standing Committee decision. Those decisions are based on the objective fact of your grades, and the committee doesn't invite students to offer input. You can appeal the Standing Committee's decisions to the Ad Hoc Committee for Student Appeals. As part of that process, you do have the right to submit a written and oral statement to the committee.
- Misconduct: In contrast, most misconduct decisions involve sorting through multiple issues, not the least of which is whether or not the offense actually occurred. As a result, you are entitled to a full investigation and hearing. As part of the process, you may submit evidence, call witnesses to testify, and cross-examine witnesses against you.
No matter what particular judicial procedure you may be facing, it's crucial you have an attorney from the Lento Law Firm beside you from beginning to end. Luckily, CSMRU gives you the right to bring an advisor with you to all meetings and proceedings, and this advisor can be an attorney (though they cannot speak on your behalf).
Keep in mind, too, that your Lento Law Firm attorney isn't just for accompanying you to hearings. They can help you develop your defense strategy, work with you to collect evidence, draft documents on your behalf, and even coach you in making your presentation. Most importantly, they monitor everything that happens and make sure your school respects your due process rights. We're here to get you the best possible resolution to your case, whatever that takes.
Fighting for Your Future
Make no mistake: if you're facing dismissal, everything is on the line. You've worked for many years to get to this point. You earned an undergraduate degree; you spent dozens, maybe hundreds of hours studying for the MCAT; you filled out applications, convinced referees to write on your behalf, and sat through demanding interviews. If CSMRU dismisses you, all of that will have been for nothing. There's virtually no chance you'll find another school willing to accept you. You'll need to find a new career path, and you'll have to start paying back student loans for a degree you'll never get.
There's simply too much on the line to go into this situation alone. Judicial rules and procedures can be complex, and your school is not on your side in this instance. You need someone who is, someone who has your best interests at heart and who is willing to fight for those interests. You need an attorney from the Lento Law Firm.
Our Student Defense Team is highly experienced with all aspects of investigation, adjudication, and appeals processes and has helped hundreds of students just like you get the justice they deserve.
If you're facing disciplinary action, don't wait to see what might happen. Find out exactly what the Lento Law Firm can do for you. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
