Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (CWRU) has a reputation for excellence in research and clinical education and is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the United States. The curriculum at Case Western emphasizes both basic science and clinical skills. Students have the opportunity to learn from faculty members who are leaders in their fields and to participate in research projects in a wide variety of areas, including neuroscience and cancer biology. As such, Case Western enforces rigorous standards when it comes to student professionalism, conduct, and academic achievement. Any breach of these guidelines can result in various consequences, including dismissal, which can significantly impact your future.
Medical school dismissals happen for several reasons, including academic progression issues, violating the school's professionalism standards, and engaging in unethical, illegal, or disruptive behavior. If you are facing dismissal from Case Western, it is important you reach out to an attorney-advisor as soon as possible. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and Lento Law Firm Education Law Team will be able to review your case and prevent any unnecessary punishments from wrecking your future. Call Lento Law Firm today.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Getting dismissed from medical school can have disastrous effects on your future. For example, if you are expecting to graduate and match with a residency program, your transcripts usually cannot have any transgressions recorded on it. If you are suspended or dismissed from the program, those sanctions will live on the final version of your transcript, which might make it hard to get into your residency program or any other program you hope to pursue.
There are several reasons why a student would be dismissed from medical school, including failing to maintain satisfactory grades, academic misconduct, lack of professionalism, and engaging in inappropriate behavior. While not every incident will lead to dismissal, having multiple actions on your record could force the university to dismiss you from your cohort.
At Case Western, like other medical schools, ethical violations, failure to meet the program's technical standards, and behavioral issues are the most common reason for dismissal.
Adjudication Process at Case Western
The CWRU School of Medicine Student Handbook provides information on how the school handles violations of the Code of Conduct and the process for resolving such violations. According to the handbook, anyone can report a student for violating the Code of Conduct to the Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA) and the Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards (SCCS).
The VPSA and the Director of the SCCS will determine the merit of the complaint. If the complaint holds merit, the accused student will receive written notification of the allegations. Generally, the accused student will be given an opportunity to resolve the matter without a hearing, as long as both parties agree. If they do not, the Director will refer the matter to the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards (OSCCS) for resolution through an administrative hearing.
During the administrative hearing, both the accused student and the other party will have a chance to present relevant evidence and witness testimony in support of their argument. After both sides have presented their argument, they will have an opportunity to cross-examine the other side. At the end of the hearing, the Director of SCCS will determine whether the accused student is responsible. If they find the accused student is responsible, they will notify the student of any sanctions they are going to impose.
At CWRU School of Medicine, sanctions might include one of the following:
- A written warning.
- Deferred disciplinary probation.
- Disciplinary probation.
- University separation.
- University expulsion.
- Permanent banning from the university premises or events.
- Loss or privileges.
- Withholding your degree.
- Revocation of your degree.
Appeals Process
It is important to remember that students always have the right to request an appeal hearing if they do not agree with the OSCCS's decision. Appeals must be made in writing to the Society Dean within ten business days of the initial decision, and they must be made on specific grounds, including:
- There is evidence available now that was not available during the hearing and would have had a significant effect on its outcome.
- You can prove that the established procedures were not followed, and if they had, the outcome would have been different.
- And, the sanctions imposed are grossly disproportionate to the severity of the violation.
Moreover, your appeals request should be accompanied by a statement of your reason for requesting an appeal and faculty who might be able to help your appeal.
You must be present at your appeal as you will be expected to answer questions and address the committee directly. After the appeals hearing, the committee will review the information provided and determine whether the sanction imposed should be amended, the outcome reversed, or the case reheard. Either way, this process is usually final and cannot be appealed further, unless your attorney-advisor appeals to the Office of General Counsel.
How an Experienced Student Defense Attorney-Advisor Can Help
Facing a dismissal from medical school can be overwhelming and scary. You may feel like you are out of options and unsure of who you can trust to help. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team are here to help. They understand how hard you have worked to get where you are today and will work tirelessly to ensure your future is safe. You do not deserve to suffer from unnecessary sanctions that will have a direct effect on your career prospects.
Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team have spent years helping medical students across the country in similar predicaments. They have unparalleled experience and a fighting spirit that is sure to guarantee you the best possible outcome for your case. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online. Lento Law Firm can help.
