Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (FSM) is a private medical school established in 1859 in Chicago, Illinois. Feinberg is part of Northwestern University, offering the Doctor of Medicine program and graduate medical education. Due to its high standards and excellent reputation, graduating from FSM opens the doors to many career opportunities. However, to remain enrolled at FSM and take advantage of its offers, you must maintain high ethical standards and avoid academic issues. Violations of FSM's policies lead to sanctions that have a debilitating effect on your future, like suspension, dismissal, or degree revocation.
You worked hard to get into medical school to train and become a doctor. Although you did not start training intending to make mistakes, they are a natural part of the learning process. But some errors are more egregious than others and can create short and long-term issues. Repeated violations or academic issues lead to a hearing, where you stand before a panel to defend against allegations. Hearing panels are stressful and lead to life-changing repercussions that may end your dream of becoming a doctor. With Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Law Education team, your chances of a successful outcome, hearing, and appeal increase.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Dismissal is a severe sanction with multiple damaging long-term and short-term consequences. Common causes for dismissal include lack of academic progress in your medical program, unethical behavior, misconduct, and violating the student handbook. Although medical schools do not impose this sanction for minor infractions, multiple mistakes may lead to this result over time. A dismissal can ruin your reputation and make pursuing your path as a doctor difficult. And because an expulsion stays on your permanent record, you may not be able to find another program in time – at least not in a competitive institution like FSM. With all that can go wrong, it's essential not to take on the matter alone. With the guidance of Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law team, you have a better chance at reducing the likelihood of a sanction that can upend your life.
Adjudication Process at FSM
According to the policy and procedure statement on FSM's website, Northwestern University, and FSM establish standards to maintain appropriate behavior within the institution. In its Medical Student Policy, the Student Promotions Committee reviews student performance and meets monthly to review academic and behavioral grievances. Any member of FSM who believes that a student is engaging in behaviors against the handbook and established policies reports the matter to the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education, who reviews the matter and sends it to the SPC. The SPC determines whether the issue requires a formal hearing to discuss the allegations, making sanctions recommendations once the meeting ends.
Sanctions include immediate suspension and dismissal. The policy does not mention whether you can have an advisor or attorney present. However, even if they cannot be present during the hearing, they can provide behind-the-scenes guidance to increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Regardless of the circumstances and the allegations against you, never approach the hearing alone. Having Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law team can make all the difference in the outcome. With their experience and passion for justice, the team identifies whether bias, lack of procedure, or other issues affect the adjudication process. They provide moral support and create the best strategy to reduce the likelihood of a negative outcome. By working closely with you and helping you during this time, the team increases your self-confidence and helps you take on the panel without stress or issues.
Appeals Process
You may appeal the hearing panel's decision at FSM by addressing the Student Appeals Committee, an ad hoc committee appointed by the Vice Dean for Education. The committee may examine written reports, records, and other means to determine whether to grant the student an appeal. When standing before the committee, students may have a support person with them, such as a staff member or a mentor. Still, they cannot have an attorney-advisor present. Once you appeal to the committee, the SAP forwards their decision to the Dean.
The Dean can accept, reject, or modify the committee's recommendation. You may not make further appeals once the Dean makes the final appeal decision. Although an appeal does not guarantee that you will not receive a dismissal, it is an integral part of the process and may lead to overturning the decision. For the best possible outcome, having Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team increases your chances of success during this process.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
Everyone makes mistakes when they are at a crucial learning point in their lives. Medical school is no exception, mainly because of the stress associated with keeping up with your peers and maintaining your daily responsibilities. But when mistakes surpass a certain threshold, they become difficult to manage, especially when a panel decides your fate. When you face dismissal at FSM, speak to Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Law Education Team. With their years of experience helping medical students nationwide fight allegations that undermine their future, the team is by your side when everything seems like an uphill battle.
Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Law Education Team know what you are going through during this difficult time. Their knowledge, experience, and compassion make them a shoulder to rely on when all seems lost. You don't have to face a panel alone with the team by your side. With their dedication and experience, the team helps you create a winning strategy that decreases the likelihood of receiving a sanction that has a detrimental effect on your future.
You worked hard to enter a competitive medical school to become a doctor. Don't let a mistake cost you years of effort, time, and money. Fight back if you or someone you love faces dismissal, expulsion, or degree revocation from FSM. Call the Lento Law Firm today for a thorough consultation at 888-535-3686.
