Learning Environment Reporting

All members of the learning and teaching environment share responsibility for creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Our goal is to create a culture that enhances patient care, scholarship and research and that is committed to the health care needs of society.

What happens when I submit a report

Learning Environment web-based reporting Form

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The purpose of the Learning Environment's private web-based reporting form is to provide a private, online reporting mechanism for learners to identify any unprofessional behavior they have experienced or witnessed within any of the learning environments within LCOM (including all affiliate clinical sites). It is for reporting, follow-up and tracking purposes, NOT FOR EMERGENCIES.

We understand that many learners have fears around reporting. As such, it is important for you to know that all reports are kept private, unless disclosure is permitted by the reporter or is required by law or university policy. To further alleviate concerns we wait until grades are closed to begin the adjudication process.

*Please note that submissions of professionalism accolades are collected from students, faculty and staff and shared with recipients and direct supervisors in November and May.  

Other Ways to Report

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There are many ways to report a Learning Environment concern. 

Options include:

  • Submit a Private Reporting Form (see links above)
  • Contact the Office of the Learning Environment (officelearningenvironment@med.uvm.edu)
  • Contact a LEAP Committee Student Representative (listed on the LEAP Committee subpage)
  • Talk to a trusted staff or faculty member

 

How are Concerns Addressed?

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Ever wonder where your reports go and how your concerns are addressed? 

All reports will be reviewed within 10 working days, and will be triaged, de-identified and tabulated by the Director of the Learning Environment. 

Please refer to the flow chart below that addresses the process for how reports of a violation/ mistreatment are addressed. 

flow chart for addressing concerns page 1
flow chart for addressing concerns page 2

What Constitutes Mistreatment?

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The American Association of Medical Colleges defines medical student mistreatment as public belittlement; threats of or actual physical punishment; requirements to perform personal services, sexual harassment; and discrimination or offensive remarks based on gender, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

Categories of mistreatment:

General MistreatmentSexual Mistreatment
  • Physical harm/punishment
  • Personal service(s)
  • Belittlement/humiliation
  • Denied opportunities based on gender
  • Request for sexual favors in exchange for grades
  • Unwanted sexual advances
  • Offensive sexist remarks
  • Lower grades/evaluations based on gender
Racial/Ethnic MistreatmentSexual Orientation Mistreatment
  • Denied opportunities based on race/ethnicity
  • Offensive remarks/names
  • Lower grades/evaluations based on race
  • Denied opportunities based on sexual orientation
  • Offensive remarks/names
  • Lower grades/evaluations based on sexual orientation

Professionalism Policies

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Optimal medical and scientific practice require good judgment, respect for the values of the profession of medicine, and a commitment to the wellbeing of patients and those close to them.

The policies and standards that outline the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine expectations of professional conduct include:

For additional Larner College of Medicine policies, please review the Medical Student Handbook.

Contact the Office of the Learning Environment Team

Elizabeth Hunt, M.D.

Director of the Learning Environment • Assistant Professor, Pediatric Nephrology, Dept. of Pediatrics • Pediatric Nephrologist, the University of Vermont Children's Hospital

elizabeth.hunt1@med.uvm.edu

Nathalie Feldman, M.D.

Learning Environment and Professionalism Consultant

Nathalie.Feldman@med.uvm.edu

Cristin Gildea

Program Specialist

officelearningenvironment@med.uvm.edu