Non-Discrimination, Sexual Abuse, and Harassment Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive learning and clinical environment for all medical students and medical graduates during clinical rotations. The policy aims to prevent discrimination, sexual abuse, and harassment, and outlines clear procedures for reporting and addressing violations.

This policy applies to all medical students and medical graduates participating in clinical rotations, faculty members, staff, residents, and any individuals involved in the clinical training environment, including patients, visitors, and other healthcare professionals.

Medical students and graduates are entitled to participate in clinical rotations in an environment free from discrimination. Discriminatory practices based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by law are prohibited.

• Equal opportunity is provided to all individuals in the selection, participation, and advancement of clinical education, regardless of personal attributes.
• Any form of discrimination, whether direct or indirect, will not be tolerated.
• The institution is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in its clinical education programs.
• All clinical faculty, residents, staff, and students are expected to actively prevent and address discriminatory behaviors.
• Any medical student or graduate who believes they have been subject to discrimination should report the incident promptly through the appropriate channels (e.g., clinical rotation supervisor, institution’s designated reporting office, or a confidential reporting system).

Sexual abuse and harassment are strictly prohibited in all aspects of clinical training. Sexual harassment can involve unwanted advances, requests for sexual favors, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, or any behavior that creates a hostile or intimidating environment.

• Unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
• Verbal comments about one’s physical appearance, sexual behavior, or gender.
• Physical actions such as inappropriate touching, groping, or sexually suggestive gestures.
• Any behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment..
• Sexual abuse, including any unwanted or coerced physical contact, and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
• Perpetrators of sexual abuse or harassment will face disciplinary action, which may include removal from the clinical rotation, suspension, or dismissal from the usce4u agency, in accordance with the institution’s policies.
• Medical students and graduates should report any incidents of sexual abuse or harassment to their clinical supervisor, designated institutional officer, or through confidential reporting channels.
• Confidential support services, such as counseling and legal aid, are available to those affected by sexual harassment or abuse.

• Students and graduates are encouraged to report any incidents of discrimination, sexual harassment, or abuse as soon as they occur.
• Reports can be made directly to a clinical rotation supervisor, academic advisor, or through a designated confidential reporting system within the institution (e.g., Title IX coordinator, human resources).
• All complaints will be treated confidentially, and retaliation against individuals who report or participate in an investigation will not be tolerated.
• Upon receipt of a complaint, the institution will initiate a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation.
• The person who has made the complaint (the complainant) will be informed of the investigation process and their rights throughout the procedure.
• The individual accused of misconduct (the respondent) will be given an opportunity to respond to the complaint.
• The investigation will include interviews, collection of evidence, and any other necessary steps to determine the facts.
• Every effort will be made to ensure fairness and to maintain the privacy and dignity of all parties involved.
• If the complaint is substantiated, disciplinary action will be taken based on the severity of the misconduct. Actions may range from counseling or warnings to removal from the clinical rotation, suspension, or expulsion from the medical program.
• The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to both the complainant and the respondent, while respecting confidentiality.

• Counseling services are available to students, medical graduates, and faculty.
• Access to legal and advocacy support.
• Support for any affected students, including accommodation for academic or clinical responsibilities as needed.
• Ongoing follow-up to ensure that the complainant is protected and supported throughout the resolution process.

• All medical students and graduates will receive education on appropriate professional conduct, including what constitutes harassment and abuse, and how to report concerns.
• Regular workshops and training sessions will be provided to faculty, residents, and staff to ensure they understand their responsibilities and are equipped to maintain a respectful, non-discriminatory environment.
• Clinical supervisors are encouraged to model respectful behavior and provide regular feedback to medical students and graduates on maintaining professional conduct.

Retaliation against individuals who report discrimination, harassment, or abuse, or those who participate in an investigation, is prohibited and will be treated as a separate violation of this policy. Any individual found to engage in retaliatory behavior will face disciplinary action.

The institution is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all medical students and graduates during their clinical rotations. Discrimination, sexual harassment, and abuse are not tolerated, and appropriate action will be taken to address any such concerns. All members of the institution must work collaboratively to maintain the highest standards of professional behavior and respect.