Cheating in Medical School
Medical schools have used a variety of responses for addressing students who cheat, including expulsion, reprimands, counseling, and peer review. One survey of faculty and students at a US medical school found that most faculty members (70.5%) favor an official hearing, with action based on the specifics of the situation. In the same study, 12.4% opted for expulsion, 10.9% counseling, 5.2% suspension, and 1% official reprimand. Faculty and administration may be reluctant to pursue expulsion because of fear of litigation, during which students may use the court system to regain entrance to medical school. A survey of second-year medical students found that they were equally divided on whether cheating students should be expelled.
Stimmel and Yens's survey of medical school deans contains a complete analysis of investigation into cheating allegations. Accused students were permitted an attorney in 41.5% of schools. They were denied an attorney in 24.5%, and in 18.9% of schools, the attorney could be present but not participate. School counsels were involved in the hearing in 29.2% of schools. Statistical evidence "confirmed" 81.7% of allegations. The outcomes were as follows: charges dismissed 29.7%, reprimand 22.9%, suspension 14.9%, expulsion 16.2%, and various other censures 16.2%. Only 2.9% of cases resulted in litigation.
Treatment: Institutional Responses
Medical schools have used a variety of responses for addressing students who cheat, including expulsion, reprimands, counseling, and peer review. One survey of faculty and students at a US medical school found that most faculty members (70.5%) favor an official hearing, with action based on the specifics of the situation. In the same study, 12.4% opted for expulsion, 10.9% counseling, 5.2% suspension, and 1% official reprimand. Faculty and administration may be reluctant to pursue expulsion because of fear of litigation, during which students may use the court system to regain entrance to medical school. A survey of second-year medical students found that they were equally divided on whether cheating students should be expelled.
Stimmel and Yens's survey of medical school deans contains a complete analysis of investigation into cheating allegations. Accused students were permitted an attorney in 41.5% of schools. They were denied an attorney in 24.5%, and in 18.9% of schools, the attorney could be present but not participate. School counsels were involved in the hearing in 29.2% of schools. Statistical evidence "confirmed" 81.7% of allegations. The outcomes were as follows: charges dismissed 29.7%, reprimand 22.9%, suspension 14.9%, expulsion 16.2%, and various other censures 16.2%. Only 2.9% of cases resulted in litigation.
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