Student Mistreatment Policy

Medical student mistreatment in the course of the teacher-learner relationship will not be tolerated. Examples of behaviors or situations that would be unacceptable include sexual harassment; unwelcome physical contact, including any physical mistreatment such as hitting, slapping, or kicking, or threats of the same nature; verbal abuse; inappropriate or unprofessional criticism intended to belittle, embarrass, or humiliate a student; requiring a student to perform menial tasks with the intent to humiliate the student; unreasonable requests for a student to perform personal services. While criticism may be appropriate in certain circumstances within the teaching-learning process, it should be handled in such a way as to promote learning, avoiding purposeful student humiliation.

Students who believe that a violation of this policy has taken place must report the incident to an Ombudsman who will then investigate the possible infraction. If the accused is a resident or fellow, the matter will be reported to the Dean, to the appropriate Associate Dean, and to the chairperson of the department.