You thought college was hard. Now you're in medical school, and you've learned the truth: this is exponentially harder. For one thing, there are no easy classes anymore. And all those classes are important. You can't not know your anatomy. You can't sort of know about infectious diseases. You have to pass every single one. For another thing, success isn't just about studying anymore. The Brody School of Medicine (ECU-SOM) is interested in far more than your test scores: your personal and professional behaviors matter just as much or more than your academic prowess.
It's no surprise, then, that plenty of students just don't make it all the way through. Some drop out; some wind up dismissed. How do you make sure you stay on track, avoid the typical pitfalls, and earn your M.D.?
It's important that you know what's expected of you so you can stay out of trouble. It's important you know how the judicial procedures work, just in case you should wind up in trouble anyway. Most important of all, though, you have to know how to get help when you need it. The Lento Law Firm was founded to help students get fair treatment from their schools and every possible opportunity to earn their degrees. What can we do? Find out by calling 888-535-3686. Or you can get in touch using our automated online form.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Doctors are supposed to know everything there is to know about caring for the human body. They're also supposed to be absolutely trustworthy and above reproach. You're not a doctor just yet, but Brody Medical School already holds you accountable for meeting both these standards.
- Academic Deficiencies: You've got classes to pass and supervised clinical hours to get through, everything from gross anatomy to clinics in rehabilitation. Should you fail a course or even an exam, there are consequences. Luckily, Brody won't dismiss you for a single “F.” In most cases, the school will work with you to remediate your deficiencies. However, you can reach a breaking point. Fail four classes in a year, for instance, or fail to complete assigned remediation, and you can be dismissed. Academic decisions are handled by Review and Promotions Committees (R&P). Each year—1-4—has its own committee, made up of faculty representatives from every course taught that year. These committees meet every other month to consider student progress and have the power to assign remediation or to issue sanctions up to and including dismissal.
- Misconduct: Med students are sometimes surprised to learn that their personal conduct is as important as their ability to master coursework. The fact is, misconduct can get you dismissed faster than low grades. You're responsible for following the Code of Student Conduct, which addresses academic dishonesty like cheating and plagiarism; the general Code of Conduct, which concerns patient treatment as well as personal qualities like honesty and integrity; and a Code of Professional Conduct, which has to do with how you behave in professional settings. Like all university students, you're expected to abide by federal Title IX guidelines regarding sexual harassment. And as if all of that wasn't enough, you must also follow all local, state, and federal laws. Any conviction can jeopardize your position in the program.
Misconduct offenses are under the purview of the Honor Committee. This committee meets on an ad hoc basis to respond to specific allegations, but like the R&P committees, the Honor Committee has the authority to issue sanctions, including dismissal.
Fighting Dismissal
How you defend yourself from dismissal depends on the specific type of dismissal you're facing. ECU-SOM has a different set of procedures for academic and misconduct dismissals.
- Academic Dismissals: Generally speaking, academic dismissals are based on objective facts—your performance in your courses and clinical hours. The school sets very clear criteria for dismissal—four-course failures in one year or the failure to complete a remediation program. As a result, R&P committees don't hold hearings before deciding on dismissal, and they generally make their decisions in closed-door sessions. You can, however, appeal an R&P decision to an Ad hoc Review and Promotions Appeals committee. As part of this process, you do have the right to attend the meeting, make a personal statement, and respond to questions from members.
- Misconduct Dismissals: In contrast to academic dismissals, misconduct dismissals generally require an investigation and a formal hearing before the Honor Committee. East Carolina University utilizes a student-led judicial system. Investigations are conducted by a student attorney general, who then represents the school during the hearing. At the hearing, you have the right to present evidence, call witnesses, and raise questions for any witnesses against you. As with academic dismissals, you have the further right to appeal the Honor Committee's findings, but only under very specific circumstances. These include insufficient evidence, an overly severe sentence, or a violation of your due process rights.
ECU-SOM procedures do not indicate whether or not you are allowed to bring an advisor with you to investigative meetings and hearings. In either case, it's crucial you have a Lento Law Firm attorney on your side. If they can accompany you, they can offer advice throughout the proceedings. However, their role is not restricted to direct representation. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will help you develop a defense strategy, work with you to collect evidence, draft documents on your behalf, suggest witness questions, and coach you in presenting your case. They'll also closely monitor all aspects of the process to ensure you're treated fairly. They give you the very best chance of a successful defense.
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 the East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine 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 didn't finish.
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.
