Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., is more than 170 years old, giving it a grand heritage among the nation's prominent medical schools. The Jesuit tradition of caring for the whole person guides Georgetown School of Medicine instructors and officials. The medical school's three domains of knowledge, skill, and values confirm that mission for its graduates to care through competent medical practice. Few professional pursuits can be as satisfying as attending a rigorous and historical medical program in the nation's capital toward a rewarding medical career. Value your Georgetown University School of Medicine education.
But even as you value your Georgetown medical education, be sure to protect it against disciplinary charges and dismissal risks. No medical school is easy. Georgetown, like other medical schools, must require students to meet rigorous academic progression and professionalism standards. Those challenges alone can cause many medical student issues. Life events like illness, injury, and childbearing or rearing can accelerate and complicate those issues. Protect your Georgetown University School of Medicine education with the premier student defense services of the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team and national student defense attorney advisor Joseph D. Lento.
Georgetown School of Medicine Grounds for Dismissal
GUSM Academic Progression Issues
Georgetown University School of Medicine's satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policy simply requires all students to pass all courses while completing at least two-thirds of the credits attempted. Georgetown School of Medicine does not maintain a minimum grade point requirement. Yet frequent failures, course withdrawals, and course incompletes can compromise a Georgetown medical student's good academic standing, lead to disqualification from federal financial aid, and practically bar the student from proceeding. Georgetown School of Medicine's SAP appeal process permits a student to continue with financial aid only if the student can document extenuating circumstances causing the failures and a sound recovery plan for regaining good academic standing. Academic failures are a sure way to court medical school dismissal.
GUSM Professionalism Issues
Georgetown University School of Medicine's Student Handbook also includes a Student Code of Conduct and Student Code of Professionalism. Together, those codes and other School of Medicine policies warn students against a wide range of misbehaviors leading to disciplinary charges and potential dismissal. Professional misconduct can include incompetent patient care, neglecting or abusing patients, disrespecting supervisors or peers, mistreating subordinate support staff, and practicing while intoxicated, among many other misbehaviors. Personal misconduct can include violence or threats, harassment, drug or alcohol abuse, weapons possession, and even bad hygiene. Academic misconduct can include exam cheating, unauthorized collaboration, research fraud, and falsifying clinical hours. Medical students are generally mature and disciplined. But they do face professional and personal misconduct issues leading to potential dismissal.
Georgetown School of Medicine Adjudication Process
Georgetown University School of Medicine's Student Handbook authorizes a standing Committee on Students to address academic, professional, and behavioral issues. A majority of Committee members are faculty members. The Committee has no more than two voting students. The School of Medicine's Office of Student Affairs notifies the accused student in writing of a complaint that the Committee on Students is preparing to hear no fewer than five days after the student's notice. The Committee decides on complaints at regular meetings to which it invites the accused student and the student's retained representative. The Committee has the authority to impose any sanctions it determines appropriate.
Georgetown School of Medicine Appeal Process
Georgetown University School of Medicine's Student Handbook grants a student who suffers dismissal or other serious Committee on Students sanction to appeal to a Committee on Student Appeals. The Dean for Medical Education appoints the Appeals Committee. All members are faculty instructors. The Appeals Committee hears the school official presenting the case for discipline and the accused student. The Appeals Committee may hear other witnesses or review other evidence if it so chooses. Students losing an appeal may have a second appeal review by the university's Executive Vice President for Health Sciences.
Georgetown University School of Medicine Sanctions
Georgetown University School of Medicine's Student Handbook lists sanctions that the Committee on Students and Committee on Student Appeals may impose. Those sanctions include not only dismissal or suspension but also lesser sanctions like repeating a year or repeating coursework. You and your retained attorney may seek remedial resolutions like additional education and training not only to avoid dismissal but also to avoid any record of discipline.
Georgetown University School of Medicine Student Defense
Georgetown University School of Medicine students are generally extraordinarily bright and accomplished. But few, if any, medical students have the substantial skill and experience necessary for the effective high-stakes academic administrative representation. And no medical student should take on self-representation in a matter so serious as medical school dismissal proceedings. Medical school appeals and other disciplinary procedures take discernment, sensitivity, clarity, and advocacy that only academic administrative attorney advisors generally possess. Recognize the critical role that effective attorney advisor representation can play in your dismissal defense.
Georgetown University School of Medicine Alternative Relief
When a disciplinary case results in a student's dismissal and the student loses all appeals, the student might reasonably assume that no options remain. Indeed, medical school officials will likely tell the student that the school's decisions are final. Yet the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team and national student defense attorney advisor Joseph D. Lento have nonetheless negotiated alternative special relief and reinstatement for some students, even after a purportedly final dismissal. Attorney advisor Lento has the national reputation and relationships to communicate and negotiate effectively with university general counsel, outside retained counsel, and other oversight officials whose role is to minimize litigation and regulatory risks. Don't give in to dismissal. Instead, exhaust all options, including oversight channels.
Georgetown School of Medicine Defense Services
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team and national student defense attorney advisor Joseph D. Lento have helped hundreds of students nationwide avoid college or university dismissal. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now for your premier defense representation at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C.
