Professionalism Online Reporting Process
We are always integrating multiple competing priorities in complex and uncertain environments, and it is not uncommon for us to demonstrate unprofessional behaviours at times. We are all human and not perfect. Repeat unprofessional behaviors however, can have a toll on individuals and systems as they can affect our wellness, workplace and organizational culture.
Psychological safety for all workplace members is mandated in Canada, at the University of Alberta, and Alberta Health Services. When we promote a culture of professionalism, we enhance psychological safety and can enhance collaboration, innovation and grow as a community.
We are here to promote professionalism and professional behaviours, build a healthy community of practice, help identify educational resources, provide advice and make recommendations when addressing professionalism concerns. We are here to listen, support and advocate. We are not responsible for the conduct of any investigations.
There is "No Wrong Door" to reporting a professionalism concern.
When you “submit a concern”, you can do so anonymously or confidentially. If you submit an anonymous concern, we do log the concern, however we may be limited with follow up and follow through as we will be unable to obtain additional details. If you attach your name to the concern, as a confidential submission, a Professionalism Triage Officer will contact in as timely a fashion as possible, and will begin the process of helping you deal with the concern.
At the meeting with Reporter, the triage officer will:
- Review supports for the Reporter and Reporter’s wellness.
- Review the concern from the Reporter’s point of view and summarize professionalism themes/concerns arising from the experience.
- Explore what the Reporter’s expectations are with regards to opportunities for improvement.
- Review possible options on next steps for dealing with the concern.
The reporter can choose not to move forward with the concern at any point during this process. The concern will be tracked confidentially, for potential repeat behaviors and environmental concerns.
There may be times when we can not maintain confidentiality. If the concern is felt to be egregious (i.e., patient or learner safety is at risk), there is leader discussion with Faculty Affairs, Dean/Deputy Dean, and/or Faculty Relations regarding immediate next steps for safety of learners with consideration of actions (including but not limited to non-disciplinary suspension), while the concern is looked into and/or reported to formal disciplinary bodies for investigation and conclusion (case by case basis).
- Egregious professionalism behaviour
- Where there is concern for serious potential impact to others (ie: colleagues, peers, learners, public, patients) with regards to safety, mistreatment, or harassment.
- These are dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
- Appropriate formal bodies are consulted, preserving confidentiality.
- Intervention will be guided by consultations with the appropriate formal bodies, with accelerated levels of intervention as appropriate.
- This may include but is not restricted to:
- Harassment (sexual, racial)
- Discrimination
- "Won't" professionalism behaviour as per above classification with failure of remediation/leader-developed action plans
- Level 3 or 4 disruptive behaviour (Health Quality Council of Alberta)
If the concern is not deemed to be a professionalism concern or is outside the jurisdiction of the Professionalism Triage Committee, then other pathways to address the concern will be offered.
If you experience exceptional professional behaviours from any person within the FoMD, you can submit an accolade. It is always nice to receive some positive feedback and to be appreciated. That is how we build community within FoMD.
Any questions? Please contact fomdprof@ualberta.ca.