Few universities boast the prestige of the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), and U.S. News & World Report ranks the Perelman School of Medicine as a top-five medical research school worldwide. The program's history is also storied, as UPenn established the first medical program in the United States.
Being dismissed from the Perelman School of Medicine is unlike being dismissed from a third-tier medical program at a state school. You have gained entry to one of the world's vaunted, premier medical programs, and you should fight with everything you have to protect your ability to graduate.
An attorney-advisor from the LLF Law Firm's Education Law Team will work with you to reach a resolution with UPenn, ensuring you don't lose the golden opportunity of earning your medical degree.
Grounds for Dismissal from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Medical students who secure admission to the University of Pennsylvania's School of Medicine are often high-caliber people. They are generally not the sort to engage in misconduct but are still vulnerable to allegations of:
- Academic misconduct
- Interpersonal and behavioral misconduct
- Substance misuse or abuse
- Sexual misconduct
An attorney-advisor from our firm can defend you from any allegation of misconduct. We also help students with other issues that may lead to dismissal, which are more common among medical students. These issues are:
- Academic difficulty, also known as progression issues
- Allegations of unprofessionalism, as medical students face lofty behavioral standards
The medical program evaluates students' professionalism through several "pillars," which students must meet as they progress through their education. These pillars include:
- Pillar 1: Foundational medical knowledge and basics of patient care
- Pillar 2: Improvement of the infrastructure and social constructs of the healthcare system
- Pillar 3: Leadership and commitment to the pursuit of lifelong growth, improvement, and professional development
- Pillar 4: Innovation in the advancement of medicine and biomedical science
If your program determines that you've failed to meet these pillars of professionalism, or you've had other issues that require (at least the consideration of) formal action, you should consider hiring an attorney-advisor from our firm. The adjudication process ahead may be complex and carry high stakes for your immediate and distant futures.
Adjudication Process at UPenn Perelman School of Medicine
The University of Pennsylvania generally handles progression issues, professionalism concerns, and other disciplinary matters within the medical program. The exact nature of your adjudication process will likely depend on:
- Your specific academic tract(s)
- The nature of your issue (progression, professionalism, or misconduct)
- The perceived severity of the alleged issue
- The latest procedures detailed in Perelman School of Medicine policies
Literature from UPenn explains that each specific medical training program has the right "to take action based upon a student's progress" in the program. As a general rule, the adjudication process includes:
An Investigation
An assigned party will investigate the facts, testimony, and evidence related to the problem at hand. This may call for the investigator to:
- Speak with you and anyone else whose insight is relevant to adjudication proceedings
- Review academic records, incident reports, general notes from professors and administrators, and any other relevant documentation
- Complete a report summarizing their findings
- Determine if further action is necessary
You should have an attorney-advisor from our firm accompany you to any investigative meetings. What you say (or don't say) during these meetings could have monumental consequences (for better or worse), and having a seasoned attorney-advisor by your side will ensure the protection of your rights.
An Opportunity to Respond to Allegations
During the investigative stage and afterward, you should have the opportunity to respond directly to allegations and explain your side of the story. Whether you have had academic difficulty or face allegations of behavioral shortcomings, your explanation alone could resolve the issue.
You may take this opportunity to:
- Provide context to the matter at hand (for example, explaining that you missed class because of a death in the family)
- Refute specific allegations and provide proof that you're not responsible for alleged wrongdoing
- Explain that someone accusing you of wrongdoing has a bias or an ulterior motive
- Make any other statements or present any other information you deem relevant
If your case proceeds to a hearing phase, you should have yet another opportunity to defend yourself.
An Opportunity to Accept Responsibility and Proposed Sanctions
If the investigator determines that you're responsible for an actionable offense, you may have the opportunity to accept the proposed sanctions. You and your attorney-advisor from our Education Law Team may even be able to negotiate a favorable resolution.
A Hearing
Hearings are a commonly-used method for ensuring due process. Your attorney-advisor from the LLF Law Firm will lead your defense at a hearing (if permitted by UPenn). We will present evidence, elicit favorable witness testimony, question any unfavorable witnesses, and make a comprehensive case in your defense.
Using Appeals to Avoid Dismissal from UPenn Perelman School of Medicine
If the adjudication process results in an unacceptable outcome, we can initiate the appeals process on your behalf. Our Education Law Team generally faces strict filing deadlines when appeals are necessary, and we will be prepared to file your appeal shortly after receiving notice of a decision.
Possible Alternatives to Dismissal
Our team will explore every possible option for resolving your medical student issue, including:
- Negotiating a resolution with the University of Pennsylvania's Office of General Counsel (attorneys)
- Reaching a favorable resolution with those leading the investigation
- Filing a grievance if you believe administrators or other university authorities have treated you unfairly
- Securing a finding that you're not responsible for alleged wrongdoing after a hearing
- Arranging for you to remediate coursework
Our firm will identify the just outcome of your case, and we will work relentlessly to secure that outcome.
Call the LLF Law Firm Today to Discuss How We Can Resolve Your Medical School Issue at the University of Pennsylvania
Our firm provides experience-based counsel, and our only interest is protecting your best interests. Call the LLF Law Firm's Education Law Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
