Professionalism Accolade and Incident Reporting
New York Medical College (NYMC) embraces its responsibility to create, support, and facilitate a respectful learning environment for all within our college community so that they witness and experience a sense of respect, collegiality, kindness, and cooperation. This same sense is expected of all who impact the environment of patient care: administrators, faculty, advanced learners, students, other health professionals, and staff.
What is PAIR?
The Professionalism Accolades and Incidents Reporting (P.A.I.R.) system supports our efforts to maintain a respectful learning environment by providing a means to submit accolades (recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding professionalism or service on behalf of others), report incidents (of mistreatment/harassment or lapses in professionalism), and file complaints to ensure concerns are addressed appropriately.
Are PAIR reports anonymous?
Given the advantages of confidential reporting described below, we recommend that you use this option. However, you may report either confidentially or anonymously.
Confidential reporting provides you with three main benefits:
- You can control how and when your report is addressed.
- We can contact you to obtain additional information, if needed, about the incident or your preferences for next steps.
- You may learn more about the outcome of your report.
How are PAIR Incident reports handled?
Reports are collected on a secure server and sent to the secure email of the appointed designee in each school of NYMC who is responsible for triaging reports and ensuring that reports are investigated by the appropriate parties.
Confidential Reporting:
The responsible party will review the report and contact you, if needed, to gather additional information about the incident and your feedback for the next steps. Your identity will not be shared without your permission unless the incident involves sexual harassment or gender discrimination (federally mandated Title IX reports) or a safety concern.
Anonymous Reporting:
As identity cannot be determined through the P.A.I.R. submission, submitters cannot influence how the report is handled. The report will be triaged to the appropriate office/department/individual, who will review the report and determine next steps based on their best judgment and current policies and procedures.
Outcomes of PAIR Incident reports are generally reported in aggregate form through newsletters, class meetings, or through Student Senate representatives.
How are P.A.I.R. Accolade reports handled?
Everyone loves to hear good news! Accolades are shared with the individual named and the appropriate dean’s office, department, or supervisor.
May NYMC announce corrective or disciplinary action taken with students following a P.A.I.R. Report?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act" (FERPA) is a federal law enacted in 1974 that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA prohibits educational institutions from disclosing “personally identifiable information in education records” without the written consent of an eligible student (20 U.S.C.S. § 1232g(b)). Simply stated, no school can announce or disclose corrective or disciplinary action taken following an investigation unless the affected student gives written consent to do so.
Thank you to those who submit a professionalism accolade or incident through the P.A.I.R. system. Your input is essential to building a more supportive and equitable culture at NYMC.
How do I submit a PAIR report?
Recognize individuals who create a positive, respectful learning and/or work environment by submitting an accolade, or let us know if you experienced or witnessed an incident of mistreatment or unprofessional behavior by submitting an incident report.
