8. Surgical Foundations Ombudsperson
An ombudsperson has been appointed for Surgical Foundations so that the residents might have a neutral person to whom they can turn to for advice or help in case there are any concerns e.g. with the evaluation process.
Using an alternative dispute resolution sensibility, an ombudsperson can provide options to residents as regards ethics concerns and provide mediation for conflicts, whilst maintaining confidentiality. He/she may also track problem areas, and make recommendations for changes to policies or procedures in support of orderly systems change.
The following policy with the respect to an ombudsperson has been drafted for Surgical Foundations:
- The ombudsperson will be suggested by the Surgical Foundations Director and appointed after review by the Surgical Foundations Committee.
- The ombudsperson will serve for 5 years, renewable upon request and review.
- The ombudsperson may at any time give notice of resignation.
- The ombudsperson appointment will be reviewed yearly by the Surgical Foundations Committee.
- The ombudsperson appointment may be withdrawn by the Surgical Foundations Committee if it is felt that the ombudsperson’s position/responsibilities have changed so that he/she is no longer in a position of neutrality with respect to the residents in Surgical Foundations.
As of November 2014 (renewed for a second 5 year-term), the SF Ombudsperson is:
Dr. Donald Arnold, MD, MSc, FRCP(C)
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Hematology
1200 Main St. West
Room 3V-48/50
Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5
Phone: (905) 521-2100 ext. 76305/6
Pager: # 2535
Fax: (905) 521-4971
Email : arnold@mcmaster.ca
A second resource is the Director: Resident Affairs (Hamilton Campus), Postgraduate Medical Education
Dr. John Miller
FHS, 1280 Main St. W.,Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1
Phone: (905) 521-9140 ext. 22833
Email : jmiller@mcmaster.ca
Web: www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/postgrad