Due Process

MD-PhD students at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai are held to the academic and professional standards of both the MD and PhD programs. Students are reviewed according to the policies of the phase they are currently in—MD or PhD—and the MSTP Director is directly involved in all proceedings.

• During the MD Phase: Students are subject to the Icahn School of Medicine Promotions Committee policies. Students may be reviewed by the Promotions Committee if they encounter serious academic difficulties, fail courses or clerkships, demonstrate unprofessional behavior, or request non-traditional academic pathways (see Policy on Due Process and Promotion/Disciplinary Action). The Promotions Committee may recommend actions ranging from remediation plans to disciplinary measures such as warning, probation, suspension, or dismissal. Students have the right to appeal Promotions Committee decisions directly to the Dean of the School of Medicine.

• During the PhD Phase: Students are governed by the Graduate School’s policies and may be reviewed by the Committee for Academic Review (CAR) if they fail to meet academic progress standards, professional conduct expectations, or programmatic milestones. CAR follows a structured due process, including opportunities for students to present their perspective and appeal decisions if necessary. Disciplinary actions through CAR can include remediation plans, probation, suspension, or dismissal (see Committee for Academic Review (CAR)).

Throughout the MD-PhD training path, if academic or professional concerns arise, the MSTP Director is notified and participates in monitoring, advising, and supporting the student through the due process system. The MSTP is committed to ensuring that all reviews are conducted fairly, consistently, and with clear opportunities for student input and resolution.