The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) is a public medical school established in 1807 in Baltimore, Maryland. This longstanding institution is the fifth-oldest medical school in the United States, with Davidge Hall being the oldest building in continuous use for medical education in the Northern Hemisphere. UMSOM offers the MD degree in addition to multiple Ph.D. programs and joint degree opportunities. As a top-tier university with a high ranking, students can benefit from the knowledge and experience of its faculty and programs, helping them on their path to becoming the doctors of the future. But to remain enrolled at UMSOM and benefit from its many social, educational, and career opportunities, medical students must abide by the code of conduct and maintain satisfactory progression. Failure to do so causes many issues down the line, among them suspension or dismissal from the university with no chance to re-enroll.
Being a medical student at UMSOM is an excellent opportunity to kickstart a flourishing career as a doctor. However, the pressure to succeed and the rigors of medical school are quite high, causing some students to falter. Some students buckle under the pressure to succeed and keep up with their peers, committing mistakes or violations that lead to sanctions and possibly dismissal. Although your professors understand that making mistakes is a normal and healthy part of your development and growth as a future physician, some mistakes are more severe than others. Regardless of the violation, you deserve a fair chance to defend yourself against allegations. When you are in a precarious situation, the Lento Law Firm and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team are by your side when all seems lost.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
A dismissal from medical school, especially one as prestigious and competitive as UMSOM, comes with significant drawbacks for your future and progress. Some of the most common reasons for dismissal include lack of academic progress, failure to abide by the code of conduct, academic misconduct, and ethical and professional violations. In other instances, the violation as a standalone may not be severe. Still, a panel recommends expulsion or suspension due to repeated conduct violations. An expulsion from medical school has multiple long and short-term repercussions that can end your dream of becoming a doctor. Moreover, the reputation damage it incurs creates problems if you decide to pursue a medical degree elsewhere, as admissions officers prefer choosing students with unblemished records. Due to the many issues that dismissal causes, having the Lento Law Firm by your side increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome and helps you gain confidence before facing a panel.
Adjudication Process at UMSOM
According to the Student Handbook, any member of the UMSOM community who believes that a student violated the Honor Code must report the incident to the Chairperson of the Board or the Dean of the Medical School, who forwards it to the Board. Once the Board receives the report, they review it to determine whether the issue warrants a formal hearing. If it does, the Board notifies the student. Before starting a formal hearing, the Chairperson of the Board may request a prehearing within fourteen days of receiving the complaint. If the parties can settle the matter during the prehearing, the Board will not go through with an official hearing. If not, the official hearing takes place, where the accuser and the accused may face one another, and the accused may defend themselves against the allegations.
The official hearing may occur within fourteen days after the prehearing. During the hearing, the panel hears each side's testimony and considers the evidence both parties present. Per the code, students may have an attorney present, but the attorney may not represent the student directly. The attorney may advise the student separately and act as a support person. The panel may also have an attorney present. It may also permit the accused or the complainant to have one attend. Once the panel hears all statements, its members deliberate and recommend appropriate penalties depending on the matter.
Appeals Process
Students may appeal the hearing panel's decision as mentioned in the Appeals Process segment of the student handbook. Students may also appeal to the Dean if they face permanent dismissal from UMSOM, face probation, or receive a failing grade. The Dean then determines whether an Appeal Committee must review the matter and investigate further. During this meeting, students may submit additional evidence or any material they have that may help with their case. Once the meeting ends, the Appeals Committee decides on the outcome based on the evidence. Once the hearing ends, the Appeals Committee sends its recommendations to the Dean, who makes a final decision. Once this process ends, there is no further chance to appeal.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
With so much that can go wrong during adjudication, it is only natural to feel stressed and pressured. But with the help of the Lento Law Firm, you don't have to face this process alone. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team is by your side when all seems lost, helping you every step of the way. The team at the Lento Law Firm has years of experience working with medical students facing dismissal nationwide. Their knowledge, guidance, and compassion help you face the hearing panel confidently, giving you the edge you need to follow through with the process.
You worked hard to get into a medical school as competitive as UMSOM. Regardless of the mistake or lapse in judgment, you deserve a fair and impartial hearing and a chance to defend yourself. Never take on the matter alone, as it may only exacerbate the matter further. Instead, work with the Lento Law Firm to increase the chances of a favorable case outcome.
If you face dismissal from UMSOM due to academic, professional, or ethical concerns, don't wait before it's too late to take action. Call the Lento Law Firm today for a thorough and deep review of your case at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
