The Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSUSOM) delivers excellent clinical care to urban settings in and around Detroit. Their goal is to train physicians who will transform the terrain of medicine and bring equality to healthcare. As such, students are given the opportunity to learn from physicians and hospitals in diverse settings and a myriad of specialties. But with these kinds of opportunities comes a high degree of expectations. Most notably, medical students at WSUSOM are required to achieve a high level of academic and professional performance. Any inability to maintain such performance, or violation of the professional and academic conduct rules, will result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the medical school completely.
Medical school dismissal can occur for any reason, including professional guideline violations, illegal or disruptive conduct, or even failing to progress through the program on time. This is why it is so important to contact an attorney-advisor the moment you are notified of such disciplinary actions. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team will evaluate your situation and help you defend yourself from such allegations, enabling you to protect your future prospects. Call Lento Law Firm today.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Given the nature of medical school – dealing with life and death situations – it is no wonder it is difficult to gain admission. Once you are admitted to medical school, though, the expectations placed upon you are even more stringent. Thus, if you are to be sanctioned in any way for any misconduct, it can be disastrous to your career.
For example, if you are suspended or dismissed from medical school, it will be noted on your final transcripts. When you try to apply to a new medical school program or to a residency program after medical school, these notations will need to be explained on each application and could make it harder to gain admission.
At WSUSOM, the most common reasons students face dismissal from medical school include behavioral misconduct, like a lack of professionalism or disruptive classroom behavior. Other common reasons would be failing to maintain satisfactory grades, failing to progress through the program on time, or failing Step 1 of the USMLE. Working with an attorney-advisor is the best way to protect your endeavors and maintain your place at WSUSOM.
Adjudication Process at Wayne State University School of Medicine
The Student Handbook at WSUSOM provides students with a list of expectations and an explanation of how the medical school will handle violations of such expectations. In fact, before graduation, students must show they are competent in both their knowledge, their practice, and patient care, but also their interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and personal development.
All students, faculty, and staff are expected to uphold the university's Code of Conduct, and any alleged violations are to be reported to the appropriate office. For academic progression issues or academic misconduct, reports are generally made to the Student Promotions Committee (SPC), whereas professional conduct violation accusations will be made to the Chair of the Professionalism Committee. Either way, both committees will review the initial allegation and speak with the complainant. If they determine there is any merit to the complaint, they will reach out to the accused student and conduct a preliminary investigation into the matter.
After the initial investigation, the committee in charge will determine if a formal hearing should be conducted. During this hearing, both the complainant and the accused student will have an opportunity to present relevant evidence and witness testimony to bolster their argument. When both sides have been heard, they will have a chance to cross-examine each other's evidence and witnesses. Once the hearing is complete, the committee will meet privately to deliberate on whether the student is responsible for the alleged conduct or violation and, if so, what sanction should be imposed. Sanctions might include anything from a warning or formal letter of reprimand to a suspension or dismissal from the program.
Appeals Process
After the committee's initial decision is made, either the accused student or the complainant may appeal it. Appeals at WSUSOM must be made within ten business days of receiving the original decision and can only be made on the following grounds:
- The student's due process rights were violated.
- There is new evidence available now that was unavailable during the original hearing, and if it had been, it would have had a significant impact on the committee's decision.
Whichever committee made the initial decision will appoint a chair to review the information presented in the appeal to determine if it is enough to warrant an appeal. If they determine it is, the chair will decide how to proceed, which could include a brand-new hearing on the matter with a new decision-making body, an amendment to the original committee's decision, or a complete reversal of it.
Generally, appeal decisions are final and cannot be appealed further. But, your attorney-advisor will also reach out to the Office of General Counsel at WSUSOM to negotiate further on your behalf. Additionally, if filing an appeal feels overwhelming, and this stress is impeding your ability to pursue an appeal, Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can help.
How an Experienced Student Defense Attorney-Advisor Can Help
Medical school is intended to create competent and compassionate physicians who are dedicated to providing patient-centered care to their communities. As such, medical schools, like Wayne State University School of Medicine, are keen on requiring students to uphold strict professional and academic standards. When a student violates or fails to maintain such standards, they will be adjudicated for it. In some cases, as explained above, such adjudication will result in a dismissal sanction.
If you are facing a dismissal decision or are looking to appeal one you have already received, Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can help. As experienced education attorney-advisors, the team at Lento Law Firm understands how confusing and overwhelming these procedures can be and will work tirelessly to shoulder that burden for you.
With unparalleled experience, empathy, and a fighting spirit, Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team guarantee you the best possible outcome for your case. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.
