Mistreatment

---

Understanding and Reporting Mistreatment

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), mistreatment – either intentional or unintentional – occurs when behavior shows disrespect for the dignity of others and unreasonably interferes with the learning process. Examples of mistreatment include:

• Sexual harassment
• Discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation
• Humiliation
• Psychological or physical punishment
• Use of grading and other forms of assessment in a punitive manner

Is This Mistreatment?

Mistreatment can take many forms. Consider the following examples to help you determine if what you experienced, witnessed, or heard about might be mistreatment. Remember, if you’re in doubt, just ask! LEO is happy to discuss anything with you before you report, and would prefer that you err on the side of reporting, because all reports are carefully examined by LEO staff in order to make this determination. You can email us for a confidential conversation.

• Sample Case 1
  A faculty member yells at physical therapy student in front of their peers and a patient. The faculty member says, “how could you be so stupid?” Is this mistreatment?
• Answer
  Yes. This faculty member disrespected the student and interfered with their learning by creating an environment in which they could not learn from their mistake but instead was publicly shamed for it. The faculty member did not tell the student how to do better or try to find out why the student did what they did. LEO would classify this as both “verbal abuse” and “public humiliation.”