Located in Philadelphia, the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) is a part of the Temple Health System. The school has roughly 900 total faculty members and nearly 1,000 students. The leadership is committed to high standards in medical education, ongoing research, and excellent patient care. Students are expected to demonstrate compassion and be maintain high levels of integrity and professionalism.
The process of education and training to practice medicine is a long journey. Students face rigid standards for academic success and each institution does maintain guidelines for professionalism. Medical school students that could face serious disciplinary sanctions including suspension and dismissal may find themselves with fewer desirable residency options, employment opportunities, and reduced earning potential.
Having a seasoned attorney in an advisory role is critical for protecting your rights and achieving a positive resolution. Your attorney may consider negotiations to prevent the most severe sanctions, propose a remediation plan, and assist with any potential appeal.
Common Breaches of Professionalism
- Failures to effectively manage their wide range of academic obligations and clinical responsibilities
- A failure to properly recognize and honor the needs of all patients
- Exhibiting poor communication skills, such as an inability to build proper rapport or empathy
The LKSOM Honor Code explains the expectations for students regarding “honesty, integrity, and civility.” An Honor Board is composed of students and faculty that conduct hearings to evaluate potential violations. Upon receiving a complaint regarding student misconduct, and Investigation Committee is formed that compiles evidence and may conduct a hearing.
Dismissal from the School of Medicine
Expulsion from the institution is generally a solution reserved for very serious conduct violations, significant breaches of the Honor Code, or those students that have persistently breached the code of conduct. Following a hearing, the Honor Board will convene to reach a decision and may determine the appropriate sanctions that are presented to the Senior Associate Dean for Education. The sanctions may include suspension or expulsion and a student has two weeks if they wish to file an appeal.
Remediation
Those who have failed a course or program are afforded a second chance through remediation. At LKSOM, the Student Academic Standards and Promotions Committee works with the Senior Associate Dean for Education in managing issues involving student academic deficiencies.
All courses must be satisfactorily completed in a given term before a student may progress to the next phase. Students also are required to pass several Step examinations before being promoted. Students that fail a course are subject to remediation. If the remediation is not successful the student is required to retake the full academic term and are placed on academic probation.
Experienced Advisory Attorney for Medical School Students
Students who are actively enrolled in a medical school program that is the subject of serious disciplinary actions have much at stake, as having a clean background is very important in the medical profession. Students that are in remediation for substandard academic performance, violations of academic integrity, and other comparable concerns should promptly consult with a lawyer. Securing advisory representation better ensures the school's specific disciplinary guidelines are properly interpreted and that you are afforded due process.
Institutional leaders at today's premier centers of medical education and research are dedicated to maintaining an unblemished reputation. The administrators that are assigned to managing the disciplinary process may be motivated to hastily pursue a resolution in these matters and impose disproportionately harsh penalties. LLF Law Firm truly understands the potentially devastating repercussions and will work diligently on your behalf. Contact the office today at (888) 535-3686 for additional details.
