If medical school were easy, there would be a lot more doctors in the world. Doctors hold the power of life and death in their hands, and so we hold them to the very highest standards, standards not everyone can meet. If you want an MD, you've got to master difficult coursework, show your mettle during clinic hours, and demonstrate you're a person of exemplary character.
That's a lot. Is it any wonder that not everyone makes it through?
If you're struggling to meet Central Michigan University College of Medicine (CMUCOM) standards and someone has mentioned the “D” word—Dismissal—the Lento Law Firm may be able to help. We know how the CMUCOM system works. We know what standards you're required to meet, who decides whether you've met them, and what to do if they should decide you haven't. And we're ready to fight to make sure you're treated fairly and that you get every reasonable chance to earn your degree.
Best of all, we're only a phone call away at 888-535-3686, or use our automated online form.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
There are dozens of rules, regulations, professional standards, and ethical guidelines you're expected to follow at Central Michigan University's College of Medicine. If you're facing dismissal, though, it's almost certainly for one of two reasons.
- Academic Deficiencies: First, you can be dismissed for simply failing to keep up academically. You're expected to learn in your courses at the College of Medicine and to demonstrate what you've learned during clinic hours. Again, you're training for the most serious of careers. Every lab matters. Every exam matters. Every course matters. Simply put, you're not allowed to fail. If you can't pass a course, you're assigned a remediation plan. Two courses, and you could wind up repeating a year. If it turns out that remediation and repeated courses don't solve the problem, though, you can also be dismissed from the program entirely.
- Misconduct: Your conduct is at least as important as, if not more important than, what you know. There are no remediation plans for mistreating a patient or harassing a colleague. Keep in mind as well that misconduct is a broad category of offense. It includes violations of Central Michigan academic misconduct and Student Code of Conduct policies. It includes federal Title IX violations regarding sexual harassment and misconduct. You can also be dismissed for any personal lapses in judgment, even something as relatively minor as an allegation of domestic abuse or a DUI, and even if these are entirely unrelated to your work as a medical student. Beyond all of that, CMUCOM also expects you to abide by its own code of ethics and professionalism.
All matters of promotion are in the hands of the college's Student Performance and Conduct Committee (SPCC). That committee meets at the end of each term and at other times as necessary. Note that all types of misconduct are treated as examples of “unprofessionalism” and that professionalism is treated as a part of the College of Medicine curriculum. Should you get caught cheating or trespassing on school property, you will likely face disciplinary action from the university, but you will be subject to SPCC action as well.
Fighting Dismissal
Because all matters of promotion are treated the same at CMUCOM whether they relate to academics or misconduct, the process of defending yourself is the same in all cases.
- Initial decisions as to dismissal are solely in the hands of the SPCC. This body makes its decisions in closed-door sessions. You do not have the right to respond to allegations or to defend your record in person.
- If the SPCC should decide to dismiss you, you then have the right to appeal that decision to a subcommittee of the Faculty Council. You must file your appeal within 72 hours of being notified of the SPCC's decision. In addition, grounds for appeal are limited to “a failure of due process” or “extenuating circumstances.”
- As part of the appeals process, you may present your full case. You may submit evidence, call witnesses to testify, and cross-examine any witnesses against you.
- You also have the right to bring an advisor with you to the appeal hearing, and that advisor can be an attorney. Your advisor can't speak on your behalf, but someone from the Lento Law Firm can be on hand to offer advice throughout the proceedings.
- You can further appeal the faculty subcommittee decision to the Dean. The Dean's review, however, is based strictly on documentary evidence.
The right to an advisor at your appeal hearing is an important one, and one you should always take advantage of. A Lento Law Firm attorney, though, can do far more than simply accompany you to the hearing and offer advice. They can be crucial in developing a defense strategy. They can help you collect and organize evidence, work to draft documents, and suggest questions for witnesses. They can coach you on how to present your case. And, most important of all, they can monitor what happens and make sure your program treats you fairly.
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. Our Student Defense Team is 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.
