Learning Environment Video Content

The following videos are illustrations of mistreatment, hostile learning environment, and business as usual. Watch them to learn what each means and what to look for. Understanding inappropriate and hurtful behaviors is crucial to all of us creating a safe, respectful culture at our medical school.

Mistreatment and Hostile Learning Environment

Watch a video* that shows examples of mistreatment (i.e., medical student asked to perform personal service, public humiliation of a medical student, and an offensive remark directed at a medical student) as well as a hostile learning environment (i.e., student repeatedly being ignored and disparaging speech directed at a resident).

Mistreatment

Watch a video** that shows a student being publicly humiliated. Other examples of mistreatment not included in the video are:

• Threat of or actual physical harm (i.e., hitting, kicking, slapping).
• Being subjected to unwanted sexual advances.
• Being subjected to offensive remarks related to gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation (directed at a student).
• Receiving lower grades or evaluations based on gender, race, or sexual orientation.
• Being required to provide personal service (i.e., shopping or babysitting).

Hostile Learning Environment

Watch a video** that shows an environment in which a student experiences disparaging speech and/or nonverbal communication about an individual other than a medical student, including humor that belittles, humiliates, or demeans an individual or a group. Other examples of a hostile environment not included in the video are:

• Shouting
• Displays of temper
• Behaviors contributing to a culture of negativity, rudeness, or intimidation
• Repeatedly being ignored by those in a teaching role

Business as Usual

Watch a video** that shows an acceptable learning environment in which students are expected to answer questions about patients and their diseases, and give clear and organized presentations.

* Video used with permission from Vermont School of Medicine.

** Video used with permission from Stanford University School of Medicine.