Making a Strong Appeal if Dismissed from Medical School

Medical education is serious business as it’s the difference between life and death for future patients. For this reason, academic honesty and professionalism are cornerstones to the integrity of medical schools. When a board of professors and school administrators deem that a student has not upheld the school’s policies on professionalism and academics, a dismissal from the medical program may be the result.

If this happens to you, all is not lost. You can appeal this decision in many cases.

The appeal process is not just about asking for reconsideration, though. It requires a clear, compelling argument backed by evidence. Medical schools have strict criteria for appeals, and a poorly structured request can result in a quick denial. Understanding how to create a strong appeal greatly improves your chances of having the board’s decision reversed.

Why Students Get Dismissed from Medical School

Reasons for a dismissal typically fall into two categories – misconduct or poor academic performance.

Misconduct, or often referred to as a “disciplinary” issue, relates to two broad categories – academic dishonesty and poor professionalism. We started this article with the importance of academic honesty and professionalism to the integrity of medical schools. Thus, if found guilty of misconduct, you’ll face a severe consequence.

Plagiarism, cheating on exams, and misreporting research findings are obvious examples of academic dishonesty. Professionalism, on the other hand, is a bit harder to define. In general, it’s the premise that medical practitioners and students are to put a patient’s needs above their own. Actions like being on time, gathering and disseminating information honestly and timely to patients, and maintaining confidentiality are examples of professionalism standards. If you’re accused of misconduct and dismissed from your school, you are allowed to appeal this decision.

Conversely, if you perform poorly in academic endeavors (e.g., fail course assessments or do not pass professional licensing exams), you can be dismissed for academic reasons. Many schools do not allow you to appeal this decision. You can reapply for admission to medical schools, but appealing a poor academic performance is not usually permitted by university policies.

First Step: Contact a Lawyer

While most schools don’t allow lawyers to be present during hearings, it is imperative to enter the proceedings as prepared as possible. Education lawyers (like at our firm) work daily with medical students facing dismissal and are well versed in university policies. Experience matters, and you, as a medical student, don’t have experience in this situation. Talk with a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner, the better.

Understand the Appeal Process

If you’re accused of misconduct, you should first receive written notification of the allegation. (This is a great time to contact a lawyer – before you’ve been officially dismissed from school.) At this time, begin gathering evidence to refute any claims that are wrong. Most school policies will require a formal hearing where you can present your evidence to the governing board or decision committee. After that, the board will decide on your dismissal or sanctions.

If dismissed, you can appeal the decision, but it takes work. Begin by studying your school’s dismissal appeal policy. You’ll need to find grounds to appeal. (Remember, speaking with a knowledgeable lawyer is important.) Pay attention to the timeline. In many schools, the turnaround is quick – five to ten days to file an appeal. Write a letter or complete your school’s required form outlining why your appeal is relevant. And simply not agreeing with the committee’s decision is not grounds.

Avoid Common Mistakes When Making an Appeal

If you find you have grounds for an appeal, below are some common, yet preventable mistakes to avoid:

• Emotional Pleas – Statement like “This has been my dream since childhood” or “I worked so hard” do not strengthen your case.
• Blaming the School or Committee –Do not suggest that the committee made a mistake or acted with bias unless you have clear, documented proof.
• Ignoring Guidelines – Some schools have strict word limits, formatting requirements, or deadlines for appeals. Failing to follow these rules could result in an automatic rejection.

We Help Medical Students Appeal Dismissals

Crafting a strong appeal requires careful planning, detailed writing, and an understanding of what a committee is looking for. If you’re unsure how to approach your appeal or need expert feedback, we suggest contacting us. Complete this form. Or, if you prefer, call us at 1 (800) 580-9167