Professionalism Pledge
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UTHSC is dedicated to respecting (and indeed celebrating) diversity among its resident classes, as well as faculty body.
Harassment of trainees by faculty members will not be tolerated.
Faculty members are entrusted to educate trainees and to treat all trainees equally in the operating room and clinic (in consideration of their level of training and individual skill set). Deferential treatment based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity or nation of origin is never acceptable and is considered harassment.
Harassment also consists of unwelcome conduct whether verbal, physical or visual that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his/her race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, or otherwise protected group status.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
- Tolerating or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
- Harassing conduct includes, but is not limited to epithets, slurs or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; and use of written, electronic, statements, questions, jokes, or stories of a sexual nature; or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group.
- For the purposes of this policy, sexual harassment includes making unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or other verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature; descriptive comments about an individual’s physical appearance, electronic stalking or lewd messages, displays of foul or obscene printed or visual material, and any unwelcome physical contact.
Retaliation against anyone who has reported harassment, submits a complaint, reports an incident witnessed, or participates in any way in the investigation of a harassment claim is forbidden. Each complaint of harassment or retaliation will be promptly and thoroughly investigated.
In conclusion, the Department’s expectation is that all residents be treated fairly, equitably, and with respect by faculty members. Doing otherwise is considered harassment. Complaints by a trainee will be investigated promptly.