The Stanford School of Medicine curriculum is hard. Really hard. You knew that when you signed up to attend, though you might not have realized just how hard it would be. You probably didn't know that the standards for your personal and professional behavior would be even higher than those for your academic performance. Stanford takes your conduct extremely seriously, and even the slightest misstep can lead to dismissal.
If you've been accused of a dismissable offense, or the medical school is considering dismissal as a result of academic deficiencies, you don't have to deal with the situation all on your own. In fact, you shouldn't. There's simply too much at stake. The Lento Law Firm was founded to help students. We're dedicated to getting you fair treatment and every reasonable chance to earn your MD. We're more than just dedicated, though. We have the background and experience to make sure your school respects your rights and that you get the best possible resolution to your case.
To find out more, call 888-535-3686, or reach out online.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
If the Stanford University School of Medicine is talking about dismissing you, it's probably for one of two reasons. Either you've committed some form of misconduct, or you're struggling to meet academic requirements.
· Misconduct: Doctors are held to higher standards of ethics and professionalism than most other professionals. Medical schools start the process of accountability the moment you enroll. Of course, the School of Medicine at Stanford takes for granted the fact that you'll abide by the Stanford University Code of Conduct and the Academic Honor Code and that you'll follow federal Title IX guidelines on sexual harassment. The university can dismiss you for any violation of any of these policies, but the medical school is more interested in whether you abide by its own standards of ethics and professionalism. That means treating all patients with respect. It means communicating effectively with colleagues. It even means dressing appropriately. And note that your personal conduct away from campus is subject to disciplinary action as well. A felony conviction, for example, is grounds for dismissal, even if it has nothing to do with your work as a student.
- Academic Deficiencies: Stanford School of Medicine is generally more forgiving when it comes to academic failings. Yes, the curriculum is rigorous, both in terms of classroom instruction and clinic hours. However, rather than dismiss you outright for failing a course, you can expect the school to assign you a remediation program or, in extreme cases, to have you repeat a year. Of course, the school's patience is not infinite. Should you fail to complete a remediation program or consistently struggle to pass courses, it could decide that you don't have what it takes to work in the field of medicine.
Violations of university policy are subject to university disciplinary procedures. In terms of medical school policy, though, your fate rests in the hands of the school's Committee on Performance, Professionalism, and Promotion (CP3). As this committee's name suggests, it has the authority to consider both your academic and professional qualifications. It can assign remediation, but it can also assign sanctions up to and including dismissal.
Fighting Dismissal
Fighting dismissal at the Stanford University School of Medicine usually involves defending yourself before the CP3. Here's how that process typically works.
- As part of its normal operating procedure, the CP3 conducts regular quarterly reviews of all student progress. If the committee should decide it has concerns about your progress, it will place you on the agenda and devote additional time to your case.
- You're entitled to notification if you are on the CP3 agenda. You also have the right to submit a statement to the CP3 regarding your work and behavior.
- If the committee determines that dismissal might be appropriate, it must hold a hearing into the matter. Hearing procedures are vague, but they guarantee you the right to review the record and any evidence against you. Presumably, you may also submit your own evidence and call witnesses to testify. In addition, you are allowed to bring a member of the faculty to your hearing for support.
- Finally, should the CP3 decide to dismiss you, you have two further options. First, you may request the CP3 Reconsider your case if you have new evidence to offer. Or, you may file a grievance with the university protesting the CP3 decision.
You may have noticed that you are not allowed to bring an attorney with you to CP3 meetings and hearings. That doesn't mean, though, that you shouldn't seek help from the Lento Law Firm. The firm's attorneys can do far more than simply attend proceedings. They can work with you to develop your defense, help you gather and organize evidence, draft documents on your behalf, and even give you practice in presenting your case. Most importantly, a Lento Law Firm attorney will monitor your case and ensure that you're afforded every right you deserve.
Fighting for Your Future
If you're facing dismissal, you need to know: that 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.
