Submitting a referral can be intimidating, and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has measures to make the process easier. These includes our overall philosophy, privacy protections, and retaliation prevention and response. If privacy or retaliation concerns prevent you from using AMS, please speak with the Liaison for Professional Identity Development.
How we Ensure Privacy
To ensure privacy, the School of Medicine created the Liaison for Professional Identity Development. This role ensures your information remains private when submitting or being referred. Our AMS reporting platform is a leader in data and privacy protection. The Liaison will explain how your privacy is maintained, including:
- Removing personal identifiers from reports as much as possible.
- Explaining next steps and who may access your report based on your choices.
- Allowing you to delay actions until a later time, such as after classes or rotations end.
In urgent cases, where safety is at risk, immediate action may be necessary without this discussion. Incidents of discrimination or sexual misconduct are referred to the CWRU Office of Equity and appropriate clinical campus offices. Mandated Reporters must share knowledge of sexual harassment or retaliation with the Title IX Coordinator. Activities at clinical campuses will be shared with their administrative offices (Cleveland Clinic, VA Medical Center, MetroHealth, University Hospitals, etc.).
How we Prevent Retaliation
The School of Medicine defines retaliation per the University’s Non-Discrimination and No Retaliation Statement: "Retaliation is taking adverse action against someone who files a report via AMS or anyone involved in the process. It includes actions by those who refer or are referred, as well as their acquaintances, friends, and family. Independent action will be taken against anyone engaging in retaliation. Both the referrer and the referred are responsible for discouraging such actions and will be held accountable for their involvement."
CWRU's Non-Retaliation and Whistleblower Protection Policy aims to provide a positive work environment where employees are encouraged to report concerns.
If you believe you have experienced retaliation, contact the Liaison for Professional Identity Development or their designee.