The University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (UBSMBS) is a public medical school established in 1846 in Buffalo, New York. The medical school offers multiple degrees in various fields, with continuing medical education, postdoctoral, and dual degree programs. With its long and prestigious history and affiliations with nearly every major hospital in Buffalo, UBSMBS is an excellent launching pad for success. Being a medal student at UBSMBS opens many doors and opportunities after graduation, especially if you plan to practice in Buffalo. But to remain enrolled and benefit from your program, you must demonstrate ethical behavior and avoid academic issues. If you face accusations of behavioral or academic deficiencies, it may lead to debilitating sanctions that negatively affect your future.
Medical students face immense pressure to succeed in medical school and keep up with the rigorous demands of their programs. Although your instructors expect you to make mistakes as you learn to apply the theories you learned, some are more serious than others. A severe violation or multiple issues leads to increased scrutiny and may cause a loss of placement. These violations lead to dismissal, which has catastrophic implications for your short and long-term success. However, you still deserve due process and a fair and unbiased hearing. When all seems lost or hopeless, it's essential that you don't take on the panel alone. Contact Attorney Joseph Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team for help.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
The heaviest sanctions that a medical student may receive from medical school include suspension and dismissal. Dismissal from medical school has long-term implications for your future and may damage your reputation. Some of the most common reasons for dismissal include behavioral issues, lack of academic progress, ethical violations, and professionalism issues. Depending on the violation's severity and the number of times you faced issues with administrators, this sanction is an option for the panel for egregious mistakes. You may assume that despite a dismissal, you can apply to other medical schools and continue your path to becoming a doctor. However, your dismissal shows on your permanent record, leading to concerns about your behavior that may lead to rejected applications. When facing this sanction, never act alone or assume that you can handle the panel. With the help of Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team, you can increase your chances of a favorable case outcome.
Adjudication Process at UBSMBS
According to the student handbook at UBSMBS, the medical school takes violations seriously and instills a grievance process to address issues. Any member of UBSMBS who believes that a student committed a violation must write a formal complaint to the chair of the medical school department, detailing the issue and providing evidence if possible. Once the chair receives the complaint, they share it with the Departmental Grievance Committee and all parties to the complaint concerns. After reviewing the matter, the committee decides whether to proceed with the grievance process depending on the evidence or reject it due to lack of merit.
If the issue requires a hearing, the committee schedules one and informs all concerned parties. During the hearing, both sides have an opportunity to present their positions. Once the panel hears the arguments from both sides, it deliberates and gives its recommendations to the chair in writing within 10 academic days of the hearing. Although you may have an advisor present during the proceedings, this person may not be an attorney. However, Attorney-Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can still help you and increase the likelihood of turning the deliberation in your favor behind the scenes. When you work with the team, you will receive the support and guidance you need to present a strong argument against the allegations.
Appeals Process
Both the accused and the accuser may appeal the committee's decision to the Dean of the Medical School within 10 days. The Dean reviews the case details, and if they believe that there are grounds for an appeal, they issue a formal decision and share it with all parties. But if the Dean believes that more consideration is necessary, they may call for a new committee called the Decanal Grievance Committee and establish a second hearing. You have one more chance to appeal the decision if it is not in your favor by writing to the vice provost. The vice provost may issue a decision or call for another hearing. Once the final hearing decision occurs, there is no further room for appeal. An appeal is not a guarantee that you will not receive a harsh sanction, but it does give a glimmer of hope in case the proceedings did not follow due process, a serious error occurred, or there is new evidence.
Hiring an Attorney Advisor
A dismissal from medical school has significant repercussions for your future and may prevent you from becoming a doctor. When you face this sanction, don't approach the matter alone. Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team are by your side. They have years of experience working with medical students nationwide. With their dedication, knowledge, and attention to detail, they help you at every step of the process to increase the chances of a favorable outcome.
It's no secret that medical school is challenging and comes with numerous obstacles. Although it is a window that depicts the future responsibilities of your profession, mistakes happen. One mistake should not cause you to stop attending medical school, whether it was a lapse in judgment or a genuine error.
If you or someone you love face accusations of academic deficiencies, unethical behavior, or professionalism issues, help is available. Call the Lento Law Firm today for a discreet and thorough consultation about the next steps at 888-535-3686.