1. RESPECTFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT for MEDICAL education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

2. Respectful learning Environment Purpose of policy
It is a document that:
Outlines the expectations that are intended to support individuals and sustain a respectful learning environment free from intimidation and harassment;
Highlights the responsibilities of the Faculty of Medicine (FoM) with respect to creating a supportive learning environment; and,
Outlines the procedures that are available in the event of behaviour that the Learner believes is in violation of the Policy.
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

3. What are the expectations at the FoM?
All Learners are entitled to interact in an environment that stresses acceptance, values diversity, requires respect for dignity and the interests of others, and is free from any form of harassment.
Behaviour that is intimidating and/or harassing towards another individual is not tolerated.
As per the Memorial University of Newfoundland Code, all members of the Memorial University of Newfoundland Community, which includes Learners, Faculty, and Staff, share a responsibility to treat others with respect and fairness, be responsible and honest, and uphold the highest standards of academic integrity.
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

4. What are the RESPONSIBILITIES OF the FoM?
To ensure that the Learning Environment is free of intimidating and/or harassing behaviour.
In the event of a violation, that:
There are fair and just resolution processes in place to deal with a violation; and,
All complaints are handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

5. WHERE DOES the Respectful Learning environment policy and procedures APPLY?
All interactions in the Learning Environment wherein the Learner experiences behaviour that is in violation of the policy. This includes violations by a Memorial and non-Memorial employees.
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

6. Mistreatment Defined:
According to the AAMC:
Mistreatment occurs when behavior shows disrespect for the dignity of others and unreasonably interferes with the learning process.
Mistreatment includes sexual harassment; discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation; humiliation, psychological or physical punishment; and the use of grading and other forms of assessment in a punitive manner.
The occurrence, either intentional or unintentional, of such incidents results in a disruption of the spirit of learning and a breach in the integrity and trust between teacher and learner. \

7. Mistreatment definition
Any behaviour that is inconsistent with the values of the FoM’s Respectful Learning Environment policy and which negatively impact the learning process and the individual’s wellbeing.
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

8. Examples of mistreatment
Belittlement or humiliation
Intentional neglect
Physical harm or physical punishment (experienced or threatened)
Verbally abusive language – offensive remarks/names/being spoken to in an insulting manner
Inappropriate anger
Being asked to perform personal services (shopping, errands)
Being denied opportunities based on discrimination (race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability)
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education

9. Examples of mistreatment
Unwanted remarks based on discrimination
Receiving lower grades based on discrimination
Unwanted sexual advances
Use of professional position to engage in romantic or sexual relationships
Asking for sexual favors in exchange for grades
Receiving lower grades based on discrimination (gender, race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability)
Assigning duties as punishment instead of learning
Being pressured to exceed established restrictions on work hours
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

10. Mistreatment is not:
Constructive feedback to learners or faculty members, appropriately given and in accordance with FoM policies and procedures does not constitute harassment. 
Regular supervisory or managerial activities and legitimate management interventions (evaluations, counseling, performance appraisals, discipline)
Consensual bantering back and forth does not constitute harassment if everyone involved is in agreement.
However, if any one employee feels uncomfortable with the conduct or comments, and they continue even after this person has expressed their discomfort, it could lead into a scenario of mistreatment
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

11. Group Discussion: Potential Mistreatment or not mistreatment. Ref
Group Discussion: Potential Mistreatment or not mistreatment? Ref. *The Pritzker School of Medicine
On the first day clerkship, a resident says to the students, “I can tell you guys are newbies,” then offers to help the students find a computer station.
During Clinical Skills feedback in Phase 1, the mentor and observing students all laugh at a student after the student takes a patient’s history. The mentor remarks, “That’s not a question you should ask and you should know that. You did make it into medical school.” No further constructive feedback is offered.
A resident grabs the student's finger with a clamp and tells them they are “slow" after they could not answer a question.
A male student is asked not to go into a room because a female patient only wants a female to examine her.
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

12. A student is asked to get coffee for themselves and for the team prior to rounds since the resident did it yesterday. The team gives the student money.
In a private conversation, a Phase Lead tells a student that they are surprised the student didn’t do well on their second block exam because they had done so well on their first.
A student is asked by a preceptor to review an article and present it on rounds to the team.
A student purposely gives another student misinformation before a Clinical Skills session. The student overhears group laughing about messing him over.
At a pub crawl on George Street during Orientation week, a second year student says to a first year student, you HAVE to drink these shots of tequila because if you don’t, you’ll be excluded from our Orientation week activities.
A fourth year student tells a third year student that they intend to make them cry before the clinical rotation is over. 
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

13. Your turn! Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

14. Scenario 1: Requests to perform personal services
Example of Potential Mistreatment
Example of Acceptable Behaviours
Scenario 2: Harassment, Humiliation, Neglect
Scenario 3: Offensive remarks/actions based on age, sexual orientation, gender identity etc.
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

15. FAQ-If I am mistreated by a Memorial or non- Memorial employee or if I need to have a confidential conversation about mistreatment, how do I access support services of the Faculty of Medicine to address the problem?
Discuss the situation with an Advisor.
Medical Students should contact the Student Wellness Consultant,
by phone at (709) or toll- free at
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

16. If I am mistreated cont’d
Visit QRS (Quality Recognition and Suggestions) and complete the online feedback form. You have the option to report mistreatment (or any other issue or incident) while remaining anonymous.
You may also attempt to seek resolution through other means including but not limited to ones established by the applicable discipline or a health care authority.
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

17. FAQ- Where can I find a copy of the policy and procedure?
It can be found in the follow places online:
The SA website;
The UGME website;
Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

18. Respectful Learning Environment for Medical Education
FACULTY OF MEDICINE

19. Thank You! RESPECTFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION
FACULTY OF MEDICINE