Summary of LEAC concerns and actions - 1/1/2023 - 3/31/2023

During the 2022-23 academic year, the LEAC committee used a process for reviewing and addressing reports received by the LEAC committee. The committee categorizes learning environment concerns into five categories:

• Mistreatment or unprofessional behaviors were reviewed, and found egregious.
• Mistreatment or unprofessional behaviors were reviewed and found not egregious.
• Mistreatment or unprofessional behaviors were not found.
• Insufficient information to follow up on the incident.
• Unprofessional behaviors that are not a learning environment violation were reported.

For January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023, the LEAC committee reviewed and acted on concerns received through ONE 45 or BEACON. The summary of concerns includes 0 Category A concerns, 6 Category B concerns, 1 Category C concern, 0 Category D concerns, and 0 Category E concerns. The learning environment where the concerns occurred included: Pediatrics (1), Neurology (1), Internal Medicine (1) Surgery (1), Basic Science Domain (1) and other (2).

1. One concern related to residents’ conversations in the presence of students in the residents’ workroom. They were thought to be describing patients in what was a less than professional manner. Feedback was given to the residents after evaluating the situation by the Program Director. Follow up will occur to establish continued professional conduct.
2. One concern was about an attending providing negative feedback to residents and students in a public manner. This was evaluated by the Program Director and the individual was given feedback. He/she indicated a problem in delivery of feedback and would modify the approach for the future.
3. Two concerns were not related to a specific person but rather to general class behavior affecting the learning climate. Students were reported to be disrespectful to faculty and peers during presentations by talking, doing online work unrelated to the topic, and thus not engaging in learning. Dr. Knight, Dr. Gonzalo and several students will monitor this and propose the continual emphasis on professionalism including additional educational sessions on this topic
   
4. One concern related to a resident providing negative and unproductive/nonspecific feedback to a student. The Clerkship Director met with the resident and discussed different techniques to provide effective feedback to learners. The resident was receptive.
5. One concern related to a faculty member who was perceived as showing favoritism to some students over others. This was interpreted as discrimination by the person reporting the concern. A team of medical education leaders engaged the student and separately the faculty member to learn more and provide counsel in appropriate communication skills to avoid the perceptions of favoritism and importantly avoid any actions which might be or be interpreted as discriminatory.
6. One concern related to a faculty member delivering critical and negative feedback to a learner in a public setting. The student felt criticized for asking questions. The faculty member received feedback from Dr. Criss on the importance of tone and location in providing feedback. He/she indicated understanding and a renewed dedication to improved communication.