Faculty-Student Relations

The best medicine has an abiding respect for the humanity at the core of us all. Meeting this standard in medical education requires that interactions between faculty and students be mutually respectful and civil. Faculty and students should strive to exhibit a high standard of professionalism. (See the discussion of Professionalism in the Downstate Medical Center Student Handbook, pp. 63–65.)

Students should bear in mind that constructive criticism is an important part of the learning process. Courses and clerkships may require considerable effort and time from students to achieve educational goals. However, mistreatment of students is not sanctioned. Examples of mistreatment and inappropriate behavior include the following: sexual harassment; discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical handicap, or age; purposeful humiliation; and the use of grading or other forms of evaluation in a punitive manner.

Students who think that they have been treated unfairly or inappropriately by a faculty member are encouraged to consult with staff of the Office of Student Affairs in order to determine an appropriate course of action. Allegations of sexual harassment or discrimination may be reported to the Office of Opportunity and Diversity (for details on this office and the appropriate procedures, see the Downstate Medical Center Student Handbook, pp. 96–97).