Learning Environment

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Learning Environment Statement

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is confident that safe, effective and compassionate care of patients is shaped by an environment of quality medical education that is rooted in human dignity.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine embraces our responsibility to create, support, and facilitate a learning environment in which our patients witness and experience respect, collegiality, kindness and cooperation among our students and teachers. These professional values are expected of all who impact the environment of patient care: administrators, advanced learners, other health professionals and staff.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine affirms our responsibility to create, support, and facilitate a challenging learning environment that empowers both educators and students. We affirm our commitment to excellence in shaping a culture of teaching, learning, research and patient care that is rooted in collaboration, empathy, compassion, and respect for human dignity of all involved.

We expect all members of our community to support a positive learning environment. Specifically, to foster an environment in which the professional growth and development of our students can best take place, the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine will strive to:

  1.  Work diligently to ensure that each component of the educational program for students is of high quality.
  2.  Serve as mentors and role models for students, maintaining high professional standards in all interactions with patients, colleagues, staff, and students.
  3.  Set an example of excellence in teamwork and collegiality.
  4.  Respect all students, inclusive of gender, race, age, disability, national origin, religion, and sexual orientation.
  5.  Support students who experience difficulties in the learning environment by being receptive to and responding appropriately to any perceived mistreatment.
  6.  Fairly evaluate and provide timely feedback, including constructive criticism, to help all students achieve academic excellence, clinical excellence, and excellence in professional conduct.

Students will in turn strive to:

  1. Work diligently to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to fulfill the educational objectives established by the faculty.
  2. Exemplify the professional virtues of altruism, accountability, compassion, duty, excellence, and honor and integrity. Conduct themselves accordingly at all times, but especially in their dealings with patients.
  3. Respect all faculty members, residents, staff and other students, inclusive of gender, race, age, disability, national origin, religion, and sexual orientation.
  4. Report any perceived unprofessionalism or mistreatment to appropriate faculty and staff.
  5. Seek out and willingly accept constructive criticism/negative feedback and use this information to improve performance.
  6. Recognize that medical education and the practice of medicine are activities that require cooperation, mutual support, and the ability to work productively with colleagues.

To submit an accolade of highly professional behavior or an incident of mistreatment or unprofessional behavior, click to access the PAIR system. PAIR reports can be submitted confidentially or anonymously and are addressed promptly by the Deans for the Learning Environment.

Drs. Reis and Mars welcome direct feedback from students and are available to meet by appointment:

Evelyn C. Reis, MD
Associate Dean for the Learning Environment
S526 Scaife Hall
412-648-2884 (confidential voicemail)
reise@pitt.edu

 

Wendy M. Mars, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean for the Learning Environment
Associate Professor, Pathology
Director, Pathology Graduate Program 
S407 South BST
412-648-9690 (confidential voicemail)
wmars@pitt.edu