The State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University located in Syracuse is a leading medical school that is committed to innovation in education, research, and clinical practice. The College of Medicine requires a “level of personal honor and integrity” consistent with the medical profession, which is founded in standards of excellence. Faulty will submit reports of unprofessional conduct or breaches of integrity and refer matters to the dean or Academic Review Board (ARB).
The leading medical colleges and universities require that all students successfully achieve high academic standards. Most also place significant emphasis on demonstrating professional behavior when encountering patients, faculty, and others in the community. Students that are unable to satisfy such institutional standards for academic performance and professional conduct are subject to remediation and potential dismissal. Medical students facing the prospect of disciplinary measures should promptly speak with an attorney-adviser, as the outcome may adversely impact your future.
Common Breaches of Standards for Professionalism
- A student that demonstrates a lack of compassion or respect for others
- Responding is a defensive manner to objective assessments or constructive criticism
- Falsification, false representation, or inaccurately recording actions and reports
The School of Medicine will promptly intervene and take disciplinary action when necessary for lapses of professionalism. Based on the severity of the incident, the Office of Student Affairs may also take remedial and corrective measures in many cases.
Potential Dismissal
For general or academic performance violations, a judicial hearing is held. Following a judicial hearing, the Coordinator of Judicial Affairs or College Judicial Officer will issue a ruling. For violations related to academic integrity, the Committee on Academic Honesty makes a ruling and decides on sanctions. In both cases, suspension or dismissal are among the potential sanctions.
Before the dismissal, students with conduct-related issues or academic integrity concerns may first have been placed on a period of disciplinary probation. The next course of action is the implementation of an interim (temporary) suspension. Dismissal is the final step that results in permanent separation from the University.
Remediation
Students that fail to maintain a 3.0-grade point average in any term are subject to a period of academic probation. The student must elevate their academic performance within one year to be restored to satisfactory academic standing. Any student that fails to meet the requirement for three successive semesters will likely be dismissed from the institution unless extraordinary circumstances have occurred.
Remediation plans are established by the student and an academic adviser with oversight from the Student Progress Committee. The Upstate Public Health Academic Review Board is responsible for making final rulings regarding dismissal that are specifically based on academic deficiencies. The ARB will consider the student's overall record in making these determinations.
Experienced Lawyer Provides Advisory Assistance for Medical Students
Professionalism and integrity are two fundamental attributes among those pursuing a career in medicine. Students with records or transcripts filled with adverse information such as acts of academic misconduct or other disciplinary sanctions are at a large disadvantage. These students will likely have fewer options in residency programs, employment opportunities, and may have limited long-term earning potential.
Medical school students must prevent suspension or dismissal from their academic institution for professional misconduct, poor academic performance, or dishonesty. In some cases, busy administrators may rush to judgment without properly ensuring a student's right to due process. Joseph D. Lento is an attorney that understands the reality of the consequences and understands that your interests will be best served by contacting the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 today.
