Located in New York City, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai was established in 1968 and now has more than 5,500 full-time staff and faculty. The school recruits a diverse base of students that are committed to continuous improvement, being innovative, and advancing the field of medicine. The school's leaders have compiled the Institutional Policies and Guidelines that conform with the Education Law of the State of New York and provide an outline of the expectations for all students.
Aside from rigid academic performance standards, each institution maintains guidelines for professionalism and academic integrity. Medical students must take decisive actions to minimize risks of being unable to access better residency programs and employment opportunities if disciplinary matters are left unresolved. It is crucial to retain an attorney-adviser that is well-versed in mitigating these concerns and understands the process. He or she will protect your rights to due process and best interests and work toward a favorable resolution.
Common Examples of Unprofessional Conduct
- Showing difficulties when responding to stressful situations
- Exhibiting signs of impatience with patients
- Putting forth a mediocre or minimal effort
All students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not “unreasonably and unduly impede, obstruct or interfere with the orderly and continuous administration and operation” of the school or infringe on the rights of others. The Promotions Committee or a designated Ad-Hoc Subcommittee is responsible for assessing any concerns regarding performance in academics and professionalism. The Committees may summon a student to a hearing where they will be heard.
Student Dismissal
The Committees may impose various sanctions or penalties when necessary. Students are permitted to be accompanied by a support person for these proceedings. Disciplinary measures may include a warning, probationary periods, suspension, or dismissal.
Certain egregious violations of a physical or sexual nature, blatant violations of academic integrity, or document falsification are grounds for immediate dismissal. Students that fail to notify Student Affairs after being arrested are also subject to immediate dismissal. A dismissal may be imposed by the Dean for Medical Education, the Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the Senior Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs or the Promotions Committee.
Students that are dismissed will have information documented on the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE). This document is typically required to be submitted when applying for a residency.
Remediation
The Medical Education Office regularly reviews student performance to ensure compliance with Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
Representation from the office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services will address SAP concerns. Course failures in an academic term are generally remediated during the summer or next interim period. Any student with three-course failures in a single academic year must repeat the full year.
Those failing to maintain academic standards are transitioned through three categories. Students that do not maintain Satisfactory Academic Status are switched to Monitored Academic Status, and then Serious Academic Status precedes dismissal. A student is always allowed to appeal an adverse ruling or decision.
Effective Advisory Attorney for Medical Students
Medical school students have a great deal at stake when faced with disciplinary proceedings such as remediation for failing to meet academic standards, unprofessional conduct, academic integrity issues, and more. The medical field expects professional conduct and a commitment to personal integrity. The best course plan of action for students is to consult with an experienced attorney-adviser.
Having assistance from a seasoned adviser ensures the school's specific disciplinary provisions are correctly interpreted and that you are positioned to overcome these concerns. Attorney Joseph D. Lento understands the potentially adverse outcomes and will act to support your best interests. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at (888) 535-3686 for information.
