The Western Michigan Homer Stryker School of Medicine (WMed) is a private medical school established in 2012 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It is part of Western Michigan University, offering the Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, and the Master of Science in Medical Engineering degrees. As a student at WMed, you get to be a part of a diverse community of peers and professors who will help you train to become a future doctor after graduation. But to ensure you graduate on time and remain enrolled at WMed, you must maintain good grades and avoid behavioral, professional, and academic misconduct. If you cannot avoid these issues, you face sanctions such as suspension or dismissal, which can jeopardize your future and career.
It's a known fact that medical school is tough – and it is that way to prepare you for the rigors of your future profession. You will work long hours and deal with people from all walks of life. Preparing you for the life of a doctor is a significant part of your training at medical school. And although mistakes are common and an expected part of the learning process, some have more severe repercussions than others. But whether you made a mistake or experienced a lapse in judgment, you still have the right to due process and a fair hearing. As soon as you learn of charges against you, fight back to protect your reputation and future. Send the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team a message today or call them at 888-535-3686 for more information.
Common Reasons for Dismissal From Medical School
Receiving a dismissal from medical school is a significant issue that affects you now and in the future. Besides the time, effort, and money you spent to make it where you are today, you must also deal with reputation damage. All of these factors take a significant toll on your morale and future. The most common reasons for dismissal from medical school include lack of academic progress, professionalism issues, behavioral issues, and ethical violations. Although, for the most part, you will not receive an expulsion for a minor infarction, repeated offenses, or a major breach that puts you in hot water and may prevent you from graduating on time – if at all. With so much at stake, acting immediately when you receive word of a potential violation report against you goes a long way. It may decrease the likelihood of a negative case outcome.
Adjudication Process at WMed
Inquiry and Investigation Process
According to the student handbook, medical students at WMed must act to demonstrate their seriousness and respect for their future roles as doctors. Violating the code of conduct or professionalism standards leads to issues such as suspension and expulsion. The adjudication process at WMed starts with a complaint made against a medical student by any member of the university.
Once someone sends in a complaint or allegation, the Associate Dean for Educational Affairs receives the complaint and conducts an inquiry to determine if the matter is severe, if the allegations are frivolous, or false. If the Assistant Dean determines that no further action is necessary, they close the case. However, if they believe the case may require a more detailed review, the matter receives a more thorough review and escalates to an investigation conducted by the Investigation Committee.
The Investigation Committee then begins its work by reviewing all documentation, data, and materials related to the issue, including emails, messages, and written comments made about the student by others. The Investigation Committee also interviews the student. During this process, the student may not have an advisor or legal representative present unless the accusation involves a potential criminal issue.
Meeting Results, Sanctions, and Appeals
Once the Investigation Committee receives all the documentation and information it needs, it decides the matter and recommends sanctions based on its findings. The committee sends its recommendations to the Associate Dean for Educational Affairs, who gives the accused medical student a copy of the Investigation Committee Report. The student may include comments within ten business days of receiving the report. Once these are received, the Associate Dean decides on the appropriate sanction.
The sanctions include:
- An official written reprimand
- A written learning contract between the student and the medical school where the student agrees to correct their conduct
- Restitution
- Placement on probation for a specific timeframe, with potentially heavier sanctions if they commit a violation during this time
- Suspension from the medical school
- Permanent dismissal from the medical school
Fortunately, students can appeal the decision by sending a letter or emailing the Associate Dean for Educational Affairs within five working days of receiving the sanctions decision. The Associate Dean forwards this request to the Student Appeals Committee, which operates under the same guidelines as the investigation committee and follows a similar process to determine if the student is at fault. Once they make their recommendations, there is no further chance to appeal.
Contact the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
When you face sanctions that heavily impact your life and future, you may feel hopeless or can't take any more action. During this distressing time, the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team is by your side. With years of experience working with medical students nationwide, the team understands what is at stake and how important the matter is for you and your family.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team leaves no stone unturned when it comes to working with you to find a solution to the matter. With their knowledge, compassion, and commitment to you and justice, you have a shoulder to rely on when everything seems lost or hopeless.
If you or someone you love face allegations of misconduct and heavy sanctions, don't wait before it is too late. Send the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team a message now, or call 888-535-3686 for more information about your options.
