The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSC) is the largest health center in South Texas. Their goal is to train future compassionate physicians who will discover and provide patients with innovative treatments. Students are given an incredible opportunity to learn from leading researchers and physicians from different specialties who all work congruently to help their patients heal. UTHSC has high expectations for student behavior, professionalism, and academic performance, and any violation of these standards may result in severe consequences, including expulsion.
Dismissals from medical school can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as academic difficulties, breaching professionalism guidelines, and engaging in disruptive or illegal behavior. Therefore, if you are facing dismissal from UTHSC, it is crucial you contact an attorney-advisor. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can assess your situation and help you avoid any unnecessary penalties that could harm your future career. Call today.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Being dismissed from medical school can wreak havoc on your future prospects. For instance, if you are hoping to secure a spot in a residency program, your transcripts should not have any negative remarks. A suspension or dismissal sanction, though, will become a part of your final transcript, which could potentially hinder your chances of getting into a residency program or any other program you wish to pursue.
There are various reasons why a student may face dismissal from medical school, but the most common reasons include academic or behavioral misconduct, lack of professionalism, and failing to maintain satisfactory grades. Although not every violation will result in dismissal, accumulating multiple actions on your record may compel UTHSC to expel you.
Adjudication Process at the University of Texas Health Science Center
UTHSC's policies and procedures gives students an understanding of how the medical school handles violations of their Code of Professional Conduct. Their goal is to encourage students to engage in professional behavior and conduct that is beyond criticism. Because of this, all students, faculty, and staff are asked to report any violations of the Code of Professional Conduct that they notice to associate dean for student affairs.
The dean for student affairs will meet with the complainant to review the allegation and then meet with the accused student, giving them an opportunity to review the allegation and make a statement. This initial investigation is supposed to be conducted in less than twenty business days. When it is over, the associate dean will prepare a written report of the investigative process and its results for the Student Progression and Promotion Committee (SPPC).
The SPPC will review the report and determine which sanctions or disciplinary action, if any, that the university should take. At UTHSC, sanctions for violations of the Code of Professional conduct might include a:
- Warning
- Restitution or reimbursement for damages
- Formal letter of reprimand
- Failing grade or grade reduction
- Loss of privileges
- Cancellation of credit for work done
- Denial of degree
- Obligatory leave of absence
- Suspension from the Health Science Center
- Revocation of degree
- Dismissal
Whatever the SPPC decides, it is generally final pending an appeal.
Appeals Process
The decision of the SPPC can feel overwhelming, especially if they decide you should be dismissed from the medical school for your behavior. Unfortunately, UTHSC does not publish their appeal directions, but most schools tend to employ the same rules for an appeal.
Typically, appeals for conduct violations must be made in writing to a particular overseeing body or department within five to ten business days of the initial decision. When you receive notification of the SPPC's decision, directions for an appeal should be listed there as well.
In addition to time constraints, appeals generally have to be made on specific grounds, which usually include one of the following:
- There is new evidence that was unavailable during the SPPC's decision making period that would have had a significant impact on their decision.
- The university's established procedures were not followed, and this may have affected the outcome of the matter.
- The sanctions the SPPC imposed do not match the severity of the violation.
Making an appeal is always important, especially for dismissal decisions, but at UTHSC they are even more important because of the nature of the decision-making process (i.e., there doesn't seem to be an option for a formal hearing).
If the idea of filing an appeal is overwhelming, or you are unaware of the steps to take to file an appeal, Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Team can help shoulder that burden. Not only will they help you navigate the investigative and appeals process, but they will reach out to the Office of General Counsel and negotiate on your behalf. You are not alone in this fight.
How an Experienced Student Defense Attorney-Advisor Can Help
Medical school is an intense experience that is intended to mold students into incredibly empathetic and knowledgeable physicians. At UTHSC, medical students are expected to follow a stringent list of rules, both professionally and academically, to ensure they can graduate and provide such compassionate and comprehensive care. If you or someone you love is facing dismissal from the UTHSC medical school, you may feel like you have nowhere to turn and no one to trust. But Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team have years of experience helping medical students around the country handle similar proceedings. They will work diligently to ensure your medical school upholds your right to due process, protecting you from unnecessary punishments and consequences.
Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team have unmatched experience when it comes to helping students overcome obstacles in medical school. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.
