The Office of the Ombuds provides confidential, impartial, informal, and independent conflict resolution and problem-solving assistance to medical students. Students enrolled in other School of Medicine programs (OT, PT, PACS, biostatistics, etc.) may contact the graduate school ombuds, who is available to meet on both the Danforth and Medical campuses.

The Office of the Ombuds offers a safe place to voice university-related concerns and review options to manage and address those concerns. Additionally, the Office of the Ombuds serves as a catalyst for change by identifying patterns or trends on campus, sharing feedback, and making recommendations about medical school policy or practice when appropriate to those who may have the power to bring about change.

Conversations with the ombuds are voluntary and free to students. The ombuds holds all communications in strict confidence unless compelled by a court or there is an imminent risk of serious physical harm.

View and download our brochure

Reasons students visit the ombuds include, but are not limited to:

  • Interpersonal disputes
  • Administrative roadblocks or bureaucratic runarounds
  • Washington University policies and procedures
  • Career progression and development
  • Grade disputes
  • Ethical dilemmas
  • Research-related matters including authorship, proprietorship, conflict of interest or scientific misconduct
  • Abrasive conduct, incivility or problematic behavior
  • Unfair treatment
  • Harassment or discrimination
  • Health and safety
  • Threats or retaliation
  • Advising relationships
  • Billing disputes or tuition concerns

What to Expect

The ombuds will listen to your concerns, help you think through your situation, and, together with you, identify and evaluate possible options for moving forward. At all times, you retain control over how your concern will be addressed.

Contact Us

To schedule a confidential consultation contact us at:

Karen.ombuds@gmail.com
314-660-2089

Please note that, given the limits of technology, confidentiality cannot be ensured in email communications. Thus, visitors are advised against sending sensitive information via email.