Medical students at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine are encouraged to chase their dreams of becoming skilled physicians. As such, UCLA provides its students with access to a wide range of patient care opportunities, world-class instructors, and innovative research studies. To ensure they are training competent and empathetic physicians, UCLA requires students to abide by certain academic and professional standards. When a student is unable to maintain these standards, they will be asked to attend a hearing and present a defense.
Unfortunately, many students believe these proceedings are simple and decide to defend themselves. The reality is, conduct violation hearings and academic progression conferences are incredibly nuanced proceedings that require significant experience to navigate. Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team and medical student defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento have extensive experience helping medical students across the country. Call Lento Law Firm today.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine is one of the best medical schools in the country and, like most medical schools, is keen to uphold that reputation. When students violate conduct standards or are unable to maintain satisfactory progress through the program, they run the risk of tainting that reputation. As such, UCLA addresses the issue quickly, hoping to nip it in the bud, which could mean dismissing the student. Additionally, there are cases where medical students have been dismissed or disciplined in other ways without any evidence to support the claim of their conduct or progression issues. Medical schools should not be allowed to get away with such blatant procedural errors and bias. To mitigate such unnecessary consequences, Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team will not only ensure you are fully prepared to defend yourself, but they will also make sure the university upholds your due process rights and avidly negotiate with the Office of General Counsel if needed.
Generally, UCLA medical students are dismissed because they:
- Failed to satisfy satisfactory academic progress or a minimum grade point average.
- Failed four courses or clerkships in one academic year.
- Failed the USMLE Step 1 exam more than once.
- Cheated, plagiarized, or attempted either or both on an exam or other academic assignment.
- Violated hospital policy.
- Had an inappropriate relationship with patients, teachers, residents, or faculty.
- Behaved disrespectfully towards other students, faculty, and staff.
- Falsified their own, or a patient's, medical records.
- Used social media inappropriately.
- Disrupted the learning environment.
- Violated patient confidentiality laws and HIPAA.
- Assaulted or battered another student, faculty, staff, or patient.
- Committed a Title IX violation or sexual misconduct.
Adjudication Process at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
At the end of each year, the Academic Performance Committee (APC) reviews each student's file to see who is having trouble passing their courses. If they find that a student is struggling, they will schedule a determine whether a remediation plan, academic probation, or dismissal from the school is appropriate.
For students accused of academic or professional conduct violations, their matter will be referred to the Student Conduct Committee (SCC). The SCC will review the complaint against the student and conduct an initial investigation to see what kind of evidence there is to support the claim. If they determine there is enough evidence to support the claim, they will notify the accused student and organize a hearing.
During the hearing, the accused student will have a chance to present evidence and witness testimony to bolster their defense. Similarly, the complainant will have the chance to do the same, though it is their responsibility to convince the hearing body. When both sides have been heard, they will be given a chance to cross-examine each other's witnesses.
At the end of the hearing, the SCC will meet in private and review everything submitted during the hearing and determine whether, based on the evidence presented, it is likely that the student violated the conduct standards at UCLA. If they determine that the student is responsible for the violation, they will also decide which sanctions to impose. Sanctions can include anything from a formal reprimand or warning and disciplinary probation to suspension or dismissal.
Appeals Process
Every decision the university makes, whether it is about student progression or conduct, can be appealed. For progression issues, your appeal must be made in writing to the CASPP within 30 days of receiving the dismissal decision. The appeal must also cite the reason for the request. It's not enough to say you don't agree with the APC decision; you must show that there was either evidence of discrimination, procedural error, or new information available now that was unavailable before.
CASPP will review the appeal and determine whether the original decision should be affirmed, rejected, or referred for further consideration. If CASPP denies your request for an appeal, you can appeal it to the Vice Dean of Education within ten days. If the Vice Dean for Education agrees that CASPP should review the appeal, they will refer it back to them.
To appeal an SCC decision, students have five days to submit their appeal to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. Just like an APC decision appeal, conduct violation decision appeals must be made on specific grounds, including:
- New evidence available now that was not available during the hearing, and it would have had a substantial impact on the outcome.
- The sanction imposed is greatly disproportionate to the violation accused.
- The hearing was not conducted according to published policies and procedures, and it substantially impacted the outcome of the matter.
The Vice-Chancellor will review the appeal and determine whether the original decision should be upheld, remanded for further consideration, or rejected, or if the sanctions should be amended. Whatever their decision, it is final and cannot be appealed further.
How a Medical Student Defense Attorney-Advisor Can Help
It's really difficult to navigate disciplinary actions or academic progression conferences when you are also juggling classwork, exams, and life outside of medical school. To be successful in these proceedings, you must present a strong and strategic defense. Medical student defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team have years of experience helping medical students in similar situations. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.
