Emory University School of Medicine (Emory) is a private medical school established in 1854 in Atlanta, Georgia. Formerly known as Atlanta Medical College, the medical school is part of the Emory University Complex, offering a full-time Doctor of Medicine Program. Emory also offers multiple Master's programs in healthcare, such as continuing medical education and joint degree programs. Medical students enrolled at Emory can train in Emory—affiliated hospitals, giving them a wealth of experience on their path to becoming physicians. But to remain enrolled and benefit from Emory's programs, you must abide by the Student Code of Conduct and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Failure to do so may lead to multiple issues, including attending a hearing and facing sanctions like suspension and dismissal.
As a medical student, you worked hard to get into a competitive medical school and start training to become a doctor. And while it is well-known that medical school is not easy, the stress and pressure to succeed catches many students by surprise. In some cases, you will make mistakes, as this is part of the learning process. But although your professors and supervisors know that a few missteps are common, some violations are more substantial than others. Repeated violations, inability to keep up with your peers, and ethical or professional concerns may lead to repercussions that affect your trajectory. With the help of the Lento Law Firm and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team, you are less likely to face harmful sanctions.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Dismissal from medical school is a serious issue that has many root causes. Although each case differs, the most common reasons for suspension or expulsion include lack of academic progress and academic, professional, or ethical violations. Since you are in a position of public trust, it's essential that you have the knowledge and the ethical standards to work with people throughout your career. Their vulnerable position as patients leads to rigorous training and standards that start in medical school before you can practice. However, while violations happen, mistakes or lapses in judgment still harm your future. With everything that can go wrong, including reputation damage, loss of funds and scholarships, and loss of progress, you must act immediately once you receive word that you must attend a hearing.
Code of Conduct at Emory
The Student Code of Conduct at Emory outlines all student conduct and academic expectations. It details the adjudication process when violations occur. Per the handbook, if any member of the medical school believes that a student committed a violation, they must report it to a member of the Honor Council at Emory and give a brief statement to the Honor Council Secretary. The Honor Council Secretary informs the Honor Council Chair of a possible violation and chooses two investigators to investigate further. The HC Secretary informs the student about the investigation before it starts and informs the Honor Council Faculty Representatives, the HC Liaison, and the Executive Associate Dean of the potential violation. Once the investigation concludes, the investigators submit their findings to the Honor Council Chair, and they determine whether a hearing is necessary.
In the event of a hearing, the accused student may have a faculty advisor present. However, they cannot participate directly in the proceedings. During the hearing, committee members determine if the student committed a violation based on “preponderance of the evidence.” The panel deliberates and recommends sanctions to the EAD, which decides on the outcome depending on the recommendations. Possible sanctions include receiving an incomplete grade, a mandatory leave of absence, suspension, and permanent dismissal from the university. Although you cannot have an external advisor present, the Lento Law Firm and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can still help you during the hearing process. Working behind the scenes, they guide you through the process and help you identify potential issues that can undermine your chances of success.
Appeals Process
Fortunately, you can appeal the hearing panel's decision by sending an appeal letter to the Dean of the medical school. To do so, you must submit the request in writing, including the basis for your appeal, within one week of receiving the EAD's decision. Once the Dean receives the request, they will notify the EAD, who will establish an ad hoc committee that consists of three faculty members from the school of medicine to deliberate. Based on the events and findings of the initial hearing, the panel members make a recommendation and send it to the Dean. The Dean makes a final decision on the matter, and no further appeals are possible. When you work with the Lento Law Firm, the team helps you draft a professional appeal letter that helps increase the chances of a favorable outcome. Whatever you decide, do not take on the matter alone or wait to contact the Lento Law Firm. The more you wait, the less likely you will have a favorable outcome.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
You are a medical school student, and the pressures of this phase in your life can lead to mistakes and lapses in judgment that can upend your future. When facing sanctions and not knowing where to turn, you can rely on the Lento Law Firm to guide you through the process and stand up for yourself and your best interests. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team has years of experience working with students nationwide facing dismissal or expulsion from medical school. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team helps you overcome this challenging time with their guidance, knowledge, and passion for justice.
One mistake should not be the reason why you are no longer able to pursue a career in medicine. If you or someone you love face sanctions at Emory, time is of the essence. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 for more information about how to approach your case.
