Reporting Concerns or Unprofessional Behavior

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.  

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

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. 

Impact of a Cup of Coffee Conversation

LCOM Learning Environment’s Cup of Coffee Conversations implements a variation of Vanderbilt University’s Cup of Coffee model.  An intervention that can address unprofessional behavior in a structured non-punitive, peer to peer informal way to help foster a respectful work environment.

87% of professional misconduct reports are handled with the cup of coffee model and result in a reduction of repeated unprofessional behavior.

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: