Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine is committed to providing its students with cutting-edge research and incredible clinical opportunities. They pride themselves on fostering a supportive and caring environment so that students are able to grow into excellent physicians. As such, they expect their students to abide by certain academic and professional rules. If a student is unable to maintain these standards, they will be referred for adjudication, which might include a disciplinary action or dismissal hearing.
Hiring an academic attorney-advisor is the only way to ensure you are fully prepared for such proceedings. Academic attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team know how hard you've worked to get into medical school. They will work tirelessly to protect your future. Call Lento Law Firm today for help.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Getting into medical school is difficult and competitive. Then, once you are in, it gets even harder. In fact, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School only accepts less than two percent of applicants each year and requires a higher-than-average entrance GPA and MCAT score. With such high entrance standards and a reputation to uphold, it's no wonder they are committed to resolving allegations of academic or professional violations.
Medical students can be dismissed from their program for various reasons, such as:
- Committing academic misconduct.
- Failing a course, exam, or clinical.
- Failing the USMLE steps more than once.
- Physically harming someone.
- Sexually misconduct of any kind.
- Violating federal, state, or local laws.
- Providing medical treatment without supervision.
- Being inebriated while at school or during clinicals.
- Destroying university or hospital property or the property of another.
- Failing to maintain patient confidentiality.
In some cases, medical students may be accused and held responsible for misconduct despite the absence of supporting evidence. When this happens, it's because the university probably failed to provide the student with a fair and impartial hearing. This can be incredibly frustrating for students, and attorney-advisor Lento and Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team understand this. So, they will work tirelessly to advocate for your rights and ensure the university does not get away with such blatant procedural errors. Moreover, Attorney Lento can contact the Office of General Counsel prior to and after the hearing process to negotiate the matter further.
Adjudication Process at the Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine
At the beginning of the year, every student at Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine receives a student handbook, which lays out all the rules and regulations the students must follow and the disciplinary procedures the school will take in response to any violations.
If a student at Rutgers is unable to pass the particular requirements for their given year, they will be dismissed from the program and prevented from advancing to the next module. Other reasons a student might be dismissed for academic progression issues is if they fail either Step 1 or 2 of the USMLE more than once or if they are unable to maintain a specific GPA each semester.
Additionally, students who are caught violating the professional or academic rules in the student handbook will be referred to the Dean. These requests for referral must be made in writing to the Dean within thirty days of the alleged infraction or discovery of the alleged infraction. The Dean can try to resolve the issue informally with mediation, but if the matter cannot be resolved that way, or if the student opts out, the Dean will refer the matter to the Hearing Body within ten working days.
Once the Hearing Body receives the request for the formal hearing, they will review the case and schedule it. Sometimes, though, the Hearing Body will have questions about why the Dean referred it to them, so they schedule a meeting with the Dean to have them clarify their position.
During the hearing, both you and the person who accused you of the misconduct will have the chance to present relevant evidence and witness testimony to support your case. You will also be able to cross-examine the complainant's evidence and witness testimony. And remember, it is on the complainant – the one who accused you – to prove that you committed the violation. Your defense will center on finding evidence and witness testimony that can refute their argument.
Once both sides have been heard fully, the Hearing Body will meet separately to decide if the evidence presented proves you are responsible for the violation. Within seven days, you will receive a written notice of their decision, as well as any sanctions they wish to impose. Sanctions will vary depending on if this is an academic misconduct issue or a code of professional conduct issue and the severity of either. Generally, though, sanctions will range from written and oral reprimands to suspension or dismissal from the program.
Appeals Process
When you receive the Hearing Body's decision letter or the progression decision letter, you will have a certain number of business days to appeal the decisions. For progression decisions, your appeal must be submitted within four days of reaching the Committee on Student Affairs' decision about your advancement in the program. But for the disciplinary actions, whether they were based on academic or professional violations, you have up to ten days to appeal.
Working with an attorney-advisor will ensure you are fully aware of all the procedural steps you must take when defending yourself, including filing a timely appeal. You do not have to navigate this alone. Call Lento Law Firm today.
How an Experienced Student Defense Attorney-Advisor Can Help
Medical student defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team understand the difficulty of navigating dismissal proceedings, particularly when these accusations are unexpected. Being inadequately prepared for this hearing can lead to negative consequences. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.
