Founded in 1971 in Stony Brook, New York as the Stony Brook University School of Medicine, today the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University has emerged as a leader in medical education, clinical innovation, and research. Strides have recently been made resulting from vital relationships with both the Mount Sinai Health System and the Icahn School of Medicine. The University maintains a Code of Student Responsibility, which is the primary source for the expectations and standards that must be adhered to.
Medical schools require that all students achieve excellence in academic achievement, professionalism, and integrity. Medical school students that are in remediation and having difficulty progressing academically or those facing potential disciplinary actions for acts of misconduct have their future at stake. Students are encouraged to speak to their families and promptly retain an attorney-adviser that will lend critical support and guidance. This action plan can help to minimize the likelihood of harsh sanctions being imposed and other potentially adverse long-term consequences.
Common Examples of Unprofessional Conduct
- Failing to recognize the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality
- Failing to make critical changes after receiving constructive evaluations and feedback
- Communicating or outwardly expressing themselves in a manner that appears demeaning or discourteous
All students are expected to maintain standards of professionalism and act in a cooperative and appropriate manner. This includes respecting others in the community including peers, staff, and patients and a commitment to confidentiality. The Administrative Hearing Board is responsible for formal disciplinary proceedings and is composed of a mix of students, staff, and faculty.
Potential Dismissal
For a student with violations of academic performance, the school assigned points that can be considered as “strikes” against the student. If ten points are accumulated in two years or twelve points in three years, the student is likely to be dismissed. Dismissal is also recommended when a fails a Step exam ad three subject exams.
Prior to dismissal (expulsion), a student may be placed on a temporary probation period or may face a temporary suspension. The terms of the probation are specifically designed for the student. Suspended students will have these sanctions added to their academic record. Students are summoned to hearings that are somewhat “informal and non-adversarial”
Remediation
The general time frame for improvement in remediation is three months. Students are assisted by staff advisers to develop plans for satisfactory academic progress and students may not be promoted to the next phase of their academic program until the remediation is successful. The Committee on Academic & Professional Progress (CAPP) has responsibility for implementing further sanctions when academic standards are not met. Students may appeal adverse rulings that require repeating an academic year, suspension, or dismissal to the Dean of the School of Medicine.
Legal Professional Provides Effective Advisory Representation for Medical Students
Having a high-quality future workforce of medical professionals begins with adherence to high standards for integrity and professional conduct at the educational level. Students with deficiencies in academic achievement will face the remediation process. Those subject to disciplinary measures for unprofessional behavior may face sanctions such as suspension or expulsion. It is unlikely that those students who establish a poor record will be accepted to the more sought-after residency programs, employment opportunities, etc.
Students that face potential facing sanctions such as dismissal from a medical school program must take decisive action. Retaining an experienced attorney-adviser can assist by ensuring the school's disciplinary provisions and processes are interpreted and support you in navigating these challenges. Contact attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm today at (888) 535-3686 for assistance.
