Welcome to the Ombuds Office

The Ombuds is a confidential, impartial, informal and neutral resource for Medical College of Wisconsin faculty, staff physicians, postdoctoral fellows and staff to voice concerns or seek guidance. We assist with interpersonal misunderstandings or disputes as well as those with concerns about administrative issues. We attempt to help individuals resolve their concerns equitably and, if possible, informally.

Our Core Principles

We are confidential

We will not identify you or discuss your concerns with anyone without your permission.  The only exceptions to this pledge of confidentiality are when the Ombuds determines that there is an imminent threat of harm or if the Ombuds is legally compelled to report the situation.

We are independent

We are independent of central administrative offices and are not aligned with any campus department or group.

We are informal

Any communication with us is "off the record" and does not put the Medical College on formal notice.

We are neutral

We do not take sides.  We consider the rights and interests of all parties.  We are advocates for good communication and fair process.

The Ombuds Office Does:

• Listen and discuss workplace questions, concerns and complaints
• Offer a SAFE place to discuss your concerns
• Informally investigate complaints
• Explain Medical College of Wisconsin policies and procedures
• Facilitate communication between people
• Advise individuals about steps to resolve problems informally
• Assist with problems that have not been resolved by other offices
• Make appropriate referrals when informal options don't work

The Ombuds Office Does Not:

• Participate in formal grievance processes
• Conduct formal investigations
• Make administrative decisions for the Medical College
• Determine "guilt" or "innocence" of those accused of wrong-doing
• Assign sanctions to individuals
• Serve as witness in administrative or legal proceedings, unless compelled to do so
• Receive official "notice" for the Medical College
• Maintain records that identify visitors to the office

How to Contact Us:

Peter Layde, MD, MSc
Ombuds Office
Curative Building, Room 2512
Medical College of Wisconsin
8701 Watertown Plank Road
Milwaukee, WI  53226
414-266-8776 (confidential line)
(Please dial entire 7-digit number to reach Ombuds)
ombuds@mcw.edu