Dear WashU Medicine community,
As we approach the end of 2024, the Climate & Culture Implementation Task Force is pleased to share several updates with you regarding our work to build and sustain a culture at WashU Medicine where everyone is safe, supported and welcome. You also can track our progress on the Climate & Culture website. In this message you will find information about:
- A new policy on serving alcohol at events on the Medical Campus
- A significant expansion of the services of the WashU Medicine Office of the Ombuds.
- Using the SAFE system for reporting incidents of unacceptable behavior and for sharing accolades about exemplary role models.
Alcohol policy for events on the Medical Campus
Multiple anonymous messages to the Executive Faculty Task Force on Climate & Culture, as well as participants in focus group and listening sessions, highlighted concerns about a culture of alcohol use in WashU Medicine research laboratories. People who choose not to consume alcohol for personal reasons or due to health conditions including substance use disorder can feel especially excluded when alcohol is promoted for celebration purposes in the workplace. This new policy is part of our schoolwide efforts to improve climate, culture and belonging at WashU Medicine.
WashU Medicine strongly encourages alcohol-free events.
Earlier this month, the Executive Faculty approved a new policy for WashU Medicine employees regarding the service of alcohol at events on the Medical Campus. A separate policy addresses alcohol service at events sponsored by student organizations.
Highlights include:
- Events on the Medical Campus that include alcohol must be planned in advance and require prior written approval from the appropriate unit head.
- Such events must be attended by a designated person who will not drink alcohol and who will act as the primary point of contact.
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages must also be provided any time alcohol is served.
For the full policy, a FAQ sheet and access to the form for supervisor approval, please visit the Human Resources website.
New ombuds for WashU Medicine faculty, trainees and students, including graduate students
We are happy to announce the appointment of Alison Antes, PhD, associate professor of medicine, and Mwiza Ushe, MD, professor of neurology, as the two new ombuds for WashU Medicine, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
In their roles in the Office of the Ombuds, Dr. Antes and Dr. Ushe will be available to meet with medical school faculty, as well as learners affiliated with WashU Medicine (MD, DBBS, PT, OT, PACS, Genetic Counseling, Medical Physics and other master’s or PhD programs), residents, fellows and postdocs. The ombuds can help faculty members and learners with informal resolution of work-related conflicts and help them understand available reporting options and resources. WashU offers virtual ombuds for staff on the Danforth and Medical campuses.
We want to thank Karen O’Malley, PhD, professor of neuroscience, and Lindley B. Wall, MD, professor of orthopedic surgery, for their dedication and years of service as ombuds for WashU Medicine. Both will continue their successful careers at WashU Medicine after they leave the Office of the Ombuds.
Reporting concerns and sharing accolades
As a reminder, everyone in our community can use the SAFE system to report a concern, whether the incident occurred at WashU Medicine or one of our academic hospitals. (Please note, patient safety issues and PHI should not be entered into the SAFE reporting portal. Patient safety issues at WashU Medicine should be reported here.)
You may continue to report via other methods, such as the 24/7, multi-language telephone option or directly to the appropriate offices, such as Gender Equity and Title IX or the Office of Human Resources, if you prefer.
The SAFE portal also provides the opportunity to share a positive experience involving a learner, staff or faculty member. If you see a colleague who demonstrates exemplary behavior that creates a positive climate and culture, we encourage you to recognize them through the Accolade link. Alternatively, you can recognize faculty and staff members through the WashU Kudos system.
In January, the Implementation Task Force will issue a final report summarizing our yearlong work to implement new policies, programs and processes. We appreciate the feedback and support we have received from the WashU Medicine community as we commit together to enhance our climate and culture.
Sincerely,
Michael Avidan, MBBCh, Implementation Task force co-chair
Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor and head of the Department of Anesthesiology
Linda Richards, AO, FAA, FAHMS, PhD, Implementation Task Force co-chair
Edison Professor of Neurobiology and head of the Department of Neuroscience
Renée Shellhaas, MD, MS, Implementation Task Force administrative director
David T. Blasingame Professor of Neurology and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Promotions & Career Development