The Program in Medical Education鈥檚 Office of Student Affairs (OSA) is dedicated to supporting students in the MD program at Harvard Medical School (HMS). The Director of the Medical Student Learning Environment oversees the intake, assessment, and resolution of medical student mistreatment concerns. Serving as a central, neutral resource for students and others within the PME, this role ensures that reports of medical student mistreatment are addressed promptly, fairly, consistently, and with a high level of discretion. The Director plays a critical role in fostering a positive, respectful, inclusive, and non-retaliatory learning environment, promoting professionalism and accountability, and in implementing initiatives to enhance the overall student experience, through coordination with program and medical school leadership.
Case Management and Student Response
- Primary point of contact for receiving and managing reports of medical student mistreatment, including reported concerns involving faculty, residents/fellows, staff, peers, or others that impact the learning environment.
- Designated administrator responsible for the receipt, tracking, and resolution of student mistreatment reports.
- Provide students with clear information about reporting options, institutional processes, supportive measures, and available resources.
- Take appropriate steps to prevent retaliation against students, address retaliation concerns, and communicate institutional non-retaliation policies.
- Refer students to counseling, wellness, academic support, and resources as needed.
- Conduct and/or coordinate review of student mistreatment reports in accordance with institutional policies.
- Monitor student mistreatment reports through resolution and ensure appropriate follow-up actions are taken.
- Maintain detailed, accurate, and confidential case records and documentation.
- Track case outcomes and follow-up actions to ensure timely resolution.
- Disseminate regular reports detailing outcomes of mistreatment reports to the HMS student body, faculty, and HMS Learning Environment Committee.
Policy, Education, and Prevention
- Assist in developing, updating, and implementing policies related to student mistreatment and student professional conduct and assure alignment with other university policies.
- Analyze trends and data related to medical student mistreatment reports and prepare regular summary reports for leadership and for accreditation purposes.
- Contribute to educational initiatives for students, faculty, and staff on professional behavior, mistreatment prevention, and reporting mechanisms in collaboration with other Harvard and HMS affiliate offices.
- Ensure that students, faculty, and staff are regularly informed about student mistreatment policies, reporting mechanisms, and institutional expectations.
- Contribute to student orientation and ongoing educational programming addressing professionalism and respectful learning environments.
- Support CQI efforts related to the learning environment by working closely with the HMS Learning Environment Committee and Institutional Planning and Effectiveness
Institutional Coordination
- Work closely and coordinate as necessary with Student Affairs, Office of Medical Education, UME Associate Deans at the hospitals, Office for Community Support, Non-Discrimination, Rights and Responsibilities, HMS Office for Academic and Research Integrity, Office of the General Counsel, HMS Human Resources, University Disability Resources, and other offices and units as appropriate.
- Collaborate closely with HMS Local Designated Resource.
- Coordinate communication with department leadership while maintaining privacy and role-appropriate information sharing.
- Participate in institutional committees related to professionalism, learning environment, and accreditation.
- Support institutional responses to accreditation reviews, surveys, and audits related to mistreatment and professionalism.
As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.