The Saba University School of Medicine is a highly respected medical institution founded in 1992. Situated in a special Dutch municipality in the Caribbean, the university was established as an international alternative to U.S. and Canadian medical schools. Saba's accreditation is recognized globally, enabling graduates to practice medicine in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, and multiple other countries. Saba is well-known for having high medical licensing exam pass rates as well as high residency match rates–percentages that are on par with the top 110 medical schools in the U.S.
Being a Saba medical student is a privilege and naturally carries significant responsibilities. Students have a duty to uphold the institution's high standards for academic success, integrity, and ethical behavior. Failure to progress in academics, breach of the school's professionalism policies, or misconduct such as cheating or plagiarism could threaten your tenure at the school. In these situations, the school will likely call for a hearing, which may result in expulsion from the institution.
Because such disciplinary actions can have profound and lasting implications for your future medical career, it is essential to seek professional legal help well before your hearing. Call the Lento Law Firm today and speak with a member of our Education Law Team. We have years of experience protecting students' rights and academic futures and are ready to help you, too. Call 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
Common Reasons for Dismissal at Saba
Saba medical students are required to sign the Student Honor Code before matriculating. The code is in the Student Handbook, which is not generally accessible to the public. However, the institution articulates its expectations of students in other documentation, such as the Student Consumer Information and the 2023-2025 Catalogue. These documents make clear that dismissal from the program may follow a student's failure to progress academically, unethical academic conduct, violation of the island of Saba's law, or demonstration of unprofessional behavior or emotional instability that compromises patient care. Students are also expected to attend all classes. Those exceeding their allotted absences will be subject to academic review and penalty.
The Saba University School of Medicine's catalog states that the Student Promotion Committee evaluates students' academic performance at the end of every semester. If the committee finds that the student has failed to assess a competency or sub-competency, the Promotions Committee will put the student on academic probation for two semesters. If they fail another competency or sub-competency while on probation, they will be subject to dismissal.
Concerning professionalism, the Saba catalog states:
Students must demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of professional responsibility, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity in all interactions with patients, families, colleagues, and others with whom physicians must interact in their professional lives.
However, as many medical students are discovering, an assessment of a student's professionalism is subjective, and some students find themselves being penalized or even dismissed for a so-called lack of professionalism that was never clearly defined by the school.
The Disciplinary Process
According to Saba's Teaching and Examination Regulations manual, if a student is suspected of violating the Student Handbook or any other school policy or rule, the matter will be reported to the appropriate Associate Dean. The Associate Dean or their team will conduct an investigation. The Dean may choose to form a disciplinary committee comprising faculty, administrators, and students to assist in the resolution process. Before any disciplinary action is taken, the student is informed of the alleged violation and given an opportunity to respond. This response includes the chance to present relevant witnesses, documents, or other evidence. The Associate Dean or the disciplinary committee has discretion in determining the relevance and weight of the evidence provided by the student.
The Associate Dean or committee then evaluates whether a violation has occurred based on a preponderance of evidence, meaning if it's more likely than not that a violation occurred. If a violation is confirmed, the Associate Dean determines appropriate sanctions, such as disciplinary counseling, fines, probation, suspension, dismissal, or any other suitable sanction considering the circumstances. The student is then informed of the determination and any sanctions imposed.
The disciplinary process can be complicated and stressful, especially if you believe the school's actions are unfair and that your voice is unlikely to be heard. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team can help ensure that your rights are respected and that you can effectively present your side of the story. We can also guide you through the process to seek the best possible outcome.
The Appeals Process
A Saba student found guilty of a violation can appeal the finding or the sanctions to the Executive Dean or President if they believe there was bias or fundamental unfairness in the disciplinary process. The appeal must be submitted in writing within seven days of receiving notice of the decision. The Executive Dean has discretion in resolving the appeal, which may include dismissing it if untimely or lacking proper basis, upholding the decision, remanding the case for further action, making new findings, or taking other appropriate action. Decisions of the Executive Dean are final.
Hire an Experienced Education Law Attorney
If you are a medical student facing dismissal from Saba, don't try to go it alone. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team is ready to help. We have years of experience defending medical students from unfair claims and ensuring their rights and professional futures are protected. Whether you're facing dismissal due to failure to process, professionalism concerns, or misconduct, we can help you understand your options, shepherd you through the disciplinary process or appeal, and work toward the best possible outcome. With our legal team in your corner, you can improve your chance of success in the disciplinary or appeals process. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or through the online form to protect your medical career and future.
