University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Names Ombuds Team

Fulfilling a promise made to students last summer, Pitt Medicine has introduced a panel of six faculty who will serve as Ombuds. A website for the new program explained that, "Students may contact the Ombuds Office to discuss difficulties that have been unresolved elsewhere (such as the Offices of Learning Environment, Student Affairs, Medical Education, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) or directly if for any reason they are fearful, embarrassed, or unwilling to contact those offices." The office appears to generally follow IOA standards and will serve as a resource for about 1,000 students.

The six new Pitt Medicine Ombuds are: Jeannette South-Paul, retired Professor and chair of Family Medicine; Michelle Manni, a research assistant professor of Pediatrics and alumnus; Charissa Pacella, associate professor and vice chair of clinical operations, Department of Emergency Medicine, and emergency department chief, and alumnus; Robert O’Doherty, professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics; Laurel Roberts, a senior lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, where she has also served as an assistant dean for undergraduates; and Daniel Devor, professor of cell biology at the School of Medicine. (Pitt Medicine Ombuds.)

Related: Job Posting; Pitt School of Medicine Agrees to Black Students' Petition for Reforms, Promises Ombuds.