University & Medical School Policies -
Student Concerns & Grievances

During your years as a student here at the school of medicine you may, unfortunately, encounter what you perceive as unfair, abusive or harassing behavior from a classmate, faculty member, intern or resident. For example, a classmate may use a racial or ethnic slur; you may be offended by a faculty member's comments about a patient's religious or sexual preference; a resident may embarrass or berate you in front of other students. Although these encounters are uncommon, the school takes them seriously and offers several pathways for resolution, which are discussed below. In addition, the university has a strong policy with regard to sexual harassment.

What should you do if you find yourself in one of the situations described above? First, take a deep breath and carefully examine the facts surrounding the event, as well as your emotional response to it. Then, formulate a plan of action. In many instances, particularly when the problem is a demeaning remark or attitude (whether you or someone else is the target), the best approach is for you to speak directly with the offender at the time of the incident. If you delay, the offender may not recall the setting or what transpired. Calmly describe what you heard or saw, and why you believe the behavior is inappropriate. Have a colleague come with you for support, if you want.

At times, the situation might best be handled through intervention by someone other than yourself. For example, you may be particularly uncomfortable addressing the offender if you feel that your grade or course evaluation is at stake, as on a clinical clerkship. In that setting you might opt to speak to the clerkship coursemaster about an offensive resident or attending's behavior, rather than addressing the offender yourself.

In addition, you may want to discuss your feelings with a neutral party, you may need guidance in deciding which approach is most appropriate in your particular situation, or you may feel that the offense is serious enough to report to someone in a position of authority. Although you may choose to discuss the problem with any member of the faculty or administration, several members of the administration are available specifically to assist you with problems of this nature:

Dr. Leslie Kahl, Associate Dean for Student Affairs

Dr. Alison Whelan, Associate Dean for Medical Student Education

Dr. Will Ross, Associate Dean and Director, Diversity Programs

You may take your grievance to one of these administrators in person or in writing. The administrator will hear your concerns and, when appropriate, gather additional information and help you to bring the problem to resolution. If appropriate, complaints regarding residents or faculty members will be brought to the attention of their Program Director or Department Chair, respectively. The procedures governing matters involving possible breaches of professional integrity by students are set forth in the Rules Governing Review of Student Performance. The outcome of your grievance or concern will depend on the type and severity of the offense, but all such grievances are taken seriously.