The Ombudsman for Graduate Medical Education exists to promote a positive climate for residency and fellowship education by providing an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for residents, fellows, and faculty with training-related concerns.
To confidentially contact the Ombudsman, call Dr. Susan Orrange at 829-6129.
The Ombudsman maintains the privacy of the identity of residents, fellows and faculty, as well as the content of their conversations. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm, and where there is no reasonable option other than disclosure. Whether this risk exists is a determination to be made by the Ombudsman.
With a visitor’s permission, the Ombudsman may contact individuals within the institution whose help is necessary to resolve a problem. The Ombudsman does not keep records containing personally identifiable information beyond the time needed to handle a client matter.
The Ombudsman does not testify in formal proceedings, and does not make reports of specific matters to University or GME leadership, although general trends and analysis of concerns may be shared.
The Ombudsman promotes fair processes and does not advocate for individuals on the basis of affiliation or constituency status. However, recognizing that residents and fellows hold positions of lesser authority within organizations, the Ombudsman may serve as an advocate. Following a discussion of issues, the Ombudsman will offer feedback, information, advice, and/or referrals.
This service is meant to ensure fair treatment and solid education of residents and fellows, giving residents a sense of empowerment and reducing feelings of helplessness and frustration. In order to maintain its integrity, the Ombudsman cannot promote causes that are vindictive or without merit. Advocacy will be performed in a fair, non-partisan, reasonable and compassionate fashion.
The Ombudsman has no authority to make decisions on behalf of the institution, but instead provides assistance, education, referrals and feedback.
The Ombudsman engages informally with visitors and will not retain written records for confidentiality reasons.
The Ombudsman will not perform formal investigations; make/change/set aside administrative decisions; or participate in any formal grievance/complaint proceedings.