Welcome to the Mistreatment Reporting Site at Albert Einstein College of Medicine

At Albert Einstein College of Medicine, we are committed to fostering a learning environment that is safe, inclusive, and supportive. We strive to ensure that every member of our community feels valued and respected. If concerns about mistreatment or unprofessional behavior arise, we are dedicated to addressing them thoughtfully and fairly.

Einstein ensures that no individual will face retaliation for participating in the reporting process. Both state and federal laws, as well as Einstein’s institutional policies, protect against retaliation related to reports of mistreatment, harassment, or discrimination.

Reporting an Incident

If you have experienced or witnessed mistreatment or unprofessional behavior, we encourage you to submit a report through this site. You will have the option to remain anonymous (where your identity is unknown to the committee) or confidential (where your identity is shared only with the committee but not with other involved parties). The Ombuds team will review all concerns with sensitivity and discretion.

About the Ombuds team

The Ombuds team is dedicated to providing an impartial, supportive, and accessible resource for Einstein students and postdoctoral fellows (PhD) who wish to raise concerns about their learning environment and interactions with faculty, clinical staff, or peers.

While we continuously work to maintain a respectful and professional learning environment, we recognize that challenges may still arise. The Ombuds team was established to address these concerns, ensuring that all reports are reviewed thoroughly, fairly, and in alignment with institutional policies. Ombuds faculty are not involved in student evaluation or grading processes, ensuring a confidential and impartial support system for students.

Students and postdoctoral fellows (PhD) who submit reports can be assured that their concerns will be reviewed in accordance with their selected level of confidentiality.

Ombuds Faculty:

• Elizabeth Dinces, MD, MS, Chair
• Deborah White, MD, Co-Chair
• Paul E. Levin, MD
• U. Thomas Meier, PhD

Our Commitment

Albert Einstein College of Medicine values open, honest communication and supports all members of its community. The Ombud’s mission is to offer impartial, confidential, fair, and accessible support to students and postdoctoral fellows.

Reporting Process

1. If you choose to identify yourself in your report, a member of the Ombuds team will contact you to arrange a confidential meeting to discuss your concerns. You are welcome to bring a companion to this meeting for support. If you opt to remain anonymous, your report will still be assessed, and you can track its progress through this portal using a unique report key and password.
2. With your consent, the Ombuds member will assess your concerns by speaking with relevant individuals such as course or clerkship directors, laboratory members, or residency directors. The Ombuds team generally does not directly approach the named individual but gathers information in a way that protects your privacy. The timing of this review will be guided by your preferences, unless immediate action is required due to imminent risk or legal obligations.
3. Within two weeks of the Ombud’s initial outreach, the appropriate supervisor will address the concern with the involved party.
4. The process can be adapted based on your comfort level and preferences in consultation with an Ombuds member.

We appreciate your commitment to fostering a positive and respectful learning environment at Einstein. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to any members of the Ombuds team.