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Ombudsman & Resolution Center

Ethical and Conflict Resolution Committee

At the National Pre-Medical Association (NPREMA), we are dedicated to fostering an environment of integrity, support, and fairness for our pre-med community. The Ombudsman Committee is at the heart of this commitment. Comprising a diverse group of experienced faculty, legal and ethical experts, and student representatives, our committee serves as a confidential, neutral resource for addressing a range of concerns and challenges faced by our students and faculty. Whether it's guidance on academic issues, resolving mentorship disputes, navigating ethical dilemmas, or fostering a more inclusive community, our mission is to provide impartial support and effective solutions.

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The ombudsman committee is organized into three specialized subcommittees :

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  • The Student Advocacy and Resolution Committee (SARC)

  • The Diversity and Inclusion Fairness Committee (DIFC)

  • The Academic and Professional Integrity Committee (APIC)

 

Each subcommittee comprises 3 to 7 members, carefully selected for their diverse expertise and backgrounds to align with the specific focus of the subcommittee; a team of dedicated volunteers, comprising academic faculty from diverse undergraduate and medical schools. These teams are further enriched by the presence of professionals with legal or ethical expertise, including attorneys well-versed in educational and healthcare law. Additionally, counseling or psychology professionals, including those with Master of Social Work (MSW) credentials, contribute their insights into mental health and well-being. We also have the invaluable participation of senior undergraduates or recent graduates, who bring a fresh and relatable perspective, along with seasoned healthcare professionals such as MDs, DOs, DDSs, DVMs, NPs, and PharmDs.

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Ombudsman Subcommittees

SARC

Student Advocacy and Resolution Committee

  • Academic Dispute Resolution: Addressing and mediating conflicts between students and faculty regarding grades, academic policies, and classroom conduct.

  • Student Grievance Support: Assisting students in navigating the process of filing and resolving grievances related to academic or administrative issues.

  • Peer Conflict Mediation: Facilitating resolutions in cases of disputes or misunderstandings between students, including issues within student organizations or groups.

  • Advocacy in Disciplinary Actions: Providing support and guidance for students involved in disciplinary proceedings, ensuring fair treatment and understanding of procedures.

  • Mentorship Program Guidance: Overseeing and intervening in mentor-mentee relationships to ensure constructive and respectful dynamics.

  • Policy Clarification and Guidance: Helping students understand and navigate university policies, academic requirements, and procedural matters.

  • Wellness and Mental Health Resources: Guiding students to appropriate resources for mental health, stress management, and overall well-being.

DIFC

Diversity, Inclusion, and Fairness Committee

  • Promoting Diversity Awareness: Initiating programs and events that raise awareness and understanding of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives within the student body.

  • Support for Disabled Students: Advocating for and assisting students with disabilities to ensure equal access and accommodations in academic settings. Providing guidance and assistance for students with disabilities in obtaining necessary accommodations for their academic journey, including support for:

    1. Testing Accommodations: Assisting in the application process for accommodations on the SAT, ACT, OAT, PCAT, DAT, and MCAT, ensuring students receive the support they need based on their individual needs.

    2. College and Medical School Accommodations: Advocating for and helping students secure appropriate accommodations in college and medical school settings, such as extended time for exams, note-taking services, and accessible classroom environments.

    3. Board Examination Accommodations: Offering guidance and support in the process of obtaining necessary accommodations for board examinations, ensuring equal opportunities for success.

  • Inclusion Advocacy: Advocating for inclusive policies and practices within the institution, ensuring that all students feel welcomed and represented.

  • Bias and Discrimination Resolution: Addressing incidents of bias and discrimination, providing a safe platform for affected students to voice their concerns and seek resolution.

  • Equity in Educational Opportunities: Ensuring that all students have equal access to educational resources, opportunities, and support, regardless of their background.

  • Cultural Competency Training: Offering training sessions for students and faculty to enhance their understanding and skills in interacting with diverse populations.

  • Support for Underrepresented Students: Providing targeted support and resources for students from underrepresented groups to promote their academic success and well-being.

  • Community Engagement and Outreach: Engaging with local communities and organizations to foster a broader understanding of diversity and inclusion issues.

  • Monitoring and Reporting: Regularly monitoring the campus climate regarding diversity and inclusion, and reporting on progress and challenges in these areas.

APIC

Academic and Professional Integrity Committee

  • Handling of Misconduct Allegations: Reporting, investigating, and addressing allegations of academic or professional misconduct.

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  • Fitness to Practice Evaluations: Implementing a robust process for evaluating the fitness of premed and medical students, as well as medical professionals, to practice medicine. This includes:

  1. Investigation of Concerns: Conducting thorough investigations into reports or concerns regarding individuals who may not be fit to practice due to a range of reasons, including but not limited to, ethical breaches, professional misconduct, or health-related issues.

  2. Assessment Panels: Establishing panels to assess the severity of issues and the impact on the individual’s ability to practice medicine safely and ethically.

  3. Recommendations and Referrals: Making appropriate recommendations based on the findings, which may include additional training, counseling, or in more severe cases, referral to licensing boards or other governing bodies for further action.

  4. Support and Resources: Providing support and resources to those under investigation, ensuring a fair and just process, and offering guidance on corrective actions where possible.

Collaborative Partners

Ensuring Integrity and Safety in Medical Education: The Vital Role of the APIC

The work of the Academic and Professional Integrity Committee (APIC) within the National Pre-Medical Association plays a pivotal role in upholding the highest standards of medical education and professional conduct. While NPREMA is deeply committed to promoting access to medical education for pre-med students, it recognizes the critical necessity of maintaining a rigorous standard of integrity and ethics within this field. The APIC diligently monitors and evaluates student behavior and professional conduct, ensuring that those with intentions or actions detrimental to the safety and well-being of others are identified and appropriately addressed. By coordinating with other organizations, such as medical schools, licensing boards, and professional bodies, the APIC not only helps in preventing potential harm but also reinforces the trust and credibility essential to the medical profession. This meticulous oversight ensures that our commitment to broadening access to medical education does not compromise the quality and safety of healthcare delivery, ultimately protecting both the integrity of the medical field and the welfare of the community at large.

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  • Deans of Students at Colleges and Universities: Coordinating with administrative leaders for student advocacy and issues resolution.

  • Medical School Administrations: Collaboration with deans and academic boards for student-related concerns.

  • National Student Clearinghouse: Partnering for verification and reporting of student enrollment, degree, and certification records.

  • State Medical Licensing Boards: Coordination for issues regarding medical licenses and professional conduct.

  • National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME): Communication for matters related to medical examinations.

  • American Medical Association (AMA): Engagement on standards of professional conduct and ethical issues.

  • Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME): Liaison for matters concerning graduate medical education.

  • Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG): Partnership for international medical graduate concerns.

  • Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): Collaborating on standards for medical education, accreditation, and student affairs.

  • Hospital and Healthcare Facility Administrations: Collaboration for employed or affiliated healthcare professionals.

  • Professional Societies and Associations: Interaction with specialty-specific organizations for professional standards.

  • Legal Authorities: Reporting to law enforcement for criminal behavior or legal concerns.

  • National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB): Reporting professional misconduct and malpractice incidents.

Requesting Support from the Ombudsman Committee

Whether you require conflict resolution, ethical advisement, or support with any other concern covered by our subcommittees, we are here to help. Simply send an email to Ombudsman@nprema.org with a brief description of your situation or inquiry. Please include any relevant details that can help us understand your needs better. Once your email is received, a member of our team will promptly review your request and connect with you to discuss the next steps. Our goal is to provide you with the guidance and support you need in a timely and confidential manner, ensuring that your journey through the pre-medical and medical education landscape is as smooth and fair as possible.

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