Ethics Committee

Ethics Committee

Mission: The Medical Student Ethics Committee is an elected body of medical students at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health which serves to represent the student body in a broad scope of ethical matters.

Contact: 

Avalon McDonald-Lewis - M1 Ethics Committee Chair

Form submissions or email messages to (medstu.ethics@med.wisc.edu) will only be seen by the Ethics Chair and will be de-identified before distribution to the Ethics Committee members below.

*must first be logged into wisc.edu google account.

Avalon McDonald-Lewis

M1 Committee Chair

Madison Harris

Education Outreach Officer

Noah Pollard

Education Outreach Officer

Apoorva Dhawan

Education Outreach Officer

Estelle Ndukwe

Communications Officer / MSA Rep

Lauren Marlatt

Secretary / Resolution Writer

Ethics Feedback and Concerns

The Ethics Committee welcomes feedback and/or concerns from the student body that are ethical or professional in nature. Examples include, but are not limited to,  cheating/academic misconduct, actions/events that occur in small groups, GPP, rotations, or other class settings.

We review each submission confidentially and discuss what, if any, action needs to be taken. In some cases, we consult with administrators, course directors, and/or other relevant parties; however, we maintain the confidence of the submitter unless he/she is a danger to himself/herself or others.

Resolutions of submissions will be shared, via e-mail, with the appropriate party, whether that is the submitter, a class cohort, or the entire student body. In addition, all submissions and resolutions (excluding identifying information) will be published on our website and in the MSA Newsletter, b-Sheet, per the committee’s by-laws. If the submission falls outside the jurisdiction of the Ethics Committee, we will refer you to a more appropriate resource.

Students are encouraged to consult the student handbook prior to submitting feedback or a concern. Because the Ethics Committee is comprised of students, we are subject to the same policies outlined in the student handbook, and therefore, we cannot supersede these policies (e.g. exams, absences, etc).

UWSMPH Ombudsperson

An ombuds is someone who helps people to informally resolve conflict by facilitating communication and utilizing resources that will help achieve a satisfactory solution. The ombuds is neutral and, most importantly, confidential.

While most students have never used a campus ombuds, there may be times when you need their services. Typically, students will seek the counsel of an ombuds when they have what they feel are high-stake situations involving a power differential between the student and the other party(ies).

It is important to understand that the ombuds do not advocate on behalf of specific individuals or concerns. The ombuds is impartial; all information you share with the ombuds remains confidential.

Students in the School of Medicine and Public Health needing the services of an ombuds can contact Lynn Maki, Associate Dean for Student Academic Affairs in the School of Veterinary Medicine. Her phone number is 608-263-2525.

The academic process and requirements of veterinary medicine are very similar to human medicine; Dean Maki understands this and medical students can feel confident in her ombuds services. The Veterinary Medicine Building is located at 2015 Linden Dr., just a short walk or ride on the #80 bus, from the medical school.

Via OASIS:

Reports submitted via OASIS are sent directly to the ombudsperson and are NOT accessible by administration.