Ombuds Office

The ombudsperson at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison serves as a neutral, independent and confidential resource for faculty, staff and students within the medical school community. Staff associated with the UW Hospital and Clinics may also find help here.

The ombudsperson is independent of existing administrative or academic structures and is responsible only to the dean of the School of Medicine and Public Health. The ombuds office supplements the existing resources available to faculty, staff and students.

The ombudsperson will treat all matters confidentially within the bounds of the law. Your privacy will be respected. Should the pursuit of an inquiry require the disclosure of details that identify you, you will be contacted and no further action will be taken without your permission. When there is a potential threat to safety or a legal proceeding with subpoena, it may have to be shared.

The UW School of Medicine and Public Health is a large and complex institution. It has 25 departments and two main locations on campus - the Medical Sciences Center and Clinical Science Center. Misunderstandings and disagreements can occur.

People sometimes treat each other in an unprofessional manner. Conflict can drain emotional energy, decrease productivity, complicate a dilemma or add stress. You may need assistance. The ombuds office is a place where you will find help to handle interpersonal and professional difficulties.

The ombudsperson is an impartial complaint handler who strives to see that people are treated fairly and equitably at the School of Medicine and Public Health.