No one ever said medical school was easy. The thing is, when you literally hold the lives of your patients in your hands, we all want to know that you've been well-trained and that you're ethics and professionalism are above reproach. So, medical schools like the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine put students through their paces. It's not just that you must meet high academic expectations, though that's certainly true. You also have to demonstrate, class after class, rotation after rotation, that you put patient welfare first and that you are absolutely committed to promoting the public good.
Now, let's be honest for a second. You're not perfect. No one is, not even doctors, and you're not a doctor just yet. So what happens when, inevitably, you make a mistake?
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm don't believe a mistake—or two, or three—should stand in the way of earning your MD and going on to a successful career in medicine. We're committed to helping you fight any dismissal, and we have the background and experience to do it. We know the law; we know the Geisinger system, and we've helped hundreds of other students defend themselves.
To find out more, call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or use our automated online form.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
The first thing you should know is that you don't give up all your rights when you become a student. You're subject to school policy, but, for example, Geisinger Commonwealth can't simply dismiss you without good cause. Good cause usually means you're either struggling to meet academic standards or you've committed some form of misconduct.
- ·Academic Deficiencies: No students are assessed quite like medical school students. There are no unimportant classes, no unimportant exams. Every subject can be a matter of life and death. With this in mind, the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine monitors all academic progress and has the power to issue sanctions any time you're not keeping up with your studies. Failure on an exam or failure in a course is grounds for remediation. Additionally, though, you can be subject to sanctions up to and including dismissal if you struggle consistently.
- Misconduct: GCSOM also expects the best from you when it comes to professional behavior. In fact, while a single failed class probably won't put your career in jeopardy, a single instance of misconduct could. It goes without saying that you must abide by all campus conduct rules. That includes rules about academic integrity. In addition, any violation of state or local laws is grounds for dismissal, even something as minor as a DUI. Beyond all of these basic expectations, though, you must also demonstrate basic tenets of professionalism. That means attending all classes, treating patients, instructors, supervisors, and colleagues with respect; using effective communication; dressing professionally; and maintaining patient confidentiality.
All promotion decisions at Geisinger Commonwealth—whether having to do with academics or conduct—are in the hands of the Committee on Academic and Professional Standards (CAPS). CAPS is made up of six elected faculty members plus a Chair appointed by the Dean. CAPS regularly reviews all student records and responds to referrals. It has the power to recommend a progressive set of sanctions, including Warnings, Probation, Suspension, and, ultimately, Dismissal.
Fighting Dismissal
Again, the school can't simply dismiss you, even if you've been accused of violating some policy. There are clear procedures in place that allow you to defend yourself, and you have several due process rights to aid you with your defense.
- You have the right to notification any time someone has made a referral about you to CAPS.
- You have the right to review the referral and any evidence against you.
- You have the right to a “non-participating support advocate.” This individual may advise you throughout proceedings but may not speak for you. Importantly, this person may be an attorney, meaning someone from the Lento Firm can not only work with you to prepare your case but be on hand when you present it.
- You have the right to present evidence in your own defense, including witness testimony.
You should be aware that CAPS decides cases based on a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” In simple terms, if committee members believe you “more likely than not” committed an offense, they are obligated to find you Responsible for (guilty of) that offense.
- Finally, the last of your rights is an opportunity to appeal any CAPS decision. However, grounds for appeal are strictly limited to
- The discovery of new evidence
- A procedural error in the case that may have affected the outcome
All appeals decisions are made by the Dean, and that official's judgment is final.
Fighting for Your Future
If you're facing dismissal, you need to know 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. The threat of dismissal puts all of that in jeopardy. It means having to look for a new career. It means having to pay back thousands of dollars in student loans without a medical degree to help you do it.
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 want an attorney from the Lento Law Firm.
The Lento Law Firm was built to help students. The firm's attorneys know the law as it applies to education. They also know how campus judicial systems work. They're highly experienced with all aspects of investigation, adjudication, and appeals processes and have 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.
