The following are examples of issues or concerns where the Office of the Ombuds may provide support:
How Can the Ombuds Help?
The Office of the Ombuds at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine is here to assist with a range of situations, from simple difficulties to sensitive, complex issues. The Ombuds is a neutral, confidential, and independent resource for KPSOM students, faculty, and staff members seeking help to resolve interpersonal conflicts, disputes, or misunderstandings, as well as academic or administrative concerns that they are directly experiencing or that they observe to be adversely affecting others.
Meet the Ombuds
Angela Dash is a Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner through the International Ombuds Association and serves as the inaugural Ombuds at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine since 2022. Her previous tenure includes serving as the inaugural Ombuds at Northeast Ohio Medical University. Angela brings a rich background in professional coaching and conflict resolution from her academic roles at New York University and her experience in judicial and public sectors, such as the Director of the Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Superior Court of Fulton County in the Atlanta Judicial Circuit. Additionally, she serves the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Alternative Dispute Resolution cadre as an on-call reservist, supporting the management of conflict during federally declared disasters with the disaster workforce. Angela holds a PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, applying restorative and trauma-informed approaches to promote positive change and collaboration across our institution.
What We Do
- Interpersonal conflicts
- Difficult relationships
- Compensation and benefits
- Career progression and development
- Respect and treatment
- Grade concerns
- Working and campus conditions
- Harassment and discrimination
- Administrative decisions
- Interpretation or application of rules
- Organizational changes
- Climate and culture
- Ethical dilemmas
- Performance evaluation
How it Works
The Ombuds can offer a variety of assistance, including:
- A voluntary safe space to work through problem situations that permits confidential communications.
- The opportunity to gain clarity about the issue or concern, and to thoughtfully explore options before taking an action.
- A trusted listener who will show an interest in understanding your perspective and experience and who can skillfully evoke your wisdom in exploring how you may wish to navigate your issue or concern in a way that aligns with both your values and the values of KPSOM.
- An objective thought partner who is able to compassionately share thoughts, ideas, and observations for your consideration, in a way that acknowledges and respects your self-determination and supports your self-efficacy.
Ombuds Standards of Practice
The Ombuds is a member of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) and adheres to the IOA Standards of Practice, which outlines principles of independence, impartiality, informality, and confidentiality.
Note: The identity of those seeking assistance from the Ombuds and all communications with the Ombuds are confidential to the extent permitted by law. The Ombuds is an independent, supplemental communication channel, and not an agent authorized to receive notice of claims on behalf of KPSOM nor an agent of notice for Title IX complaints.
Contact the Ombuds
KPSOM students, faculty, and staff may reach out to the Office of the Ombuds directly to schedule a meeting to discuss issues of concern.
The Ombuds also offers professional and personal development workshops to build the conflict management competencies of the KPSOM community. Any KPSOM office, department as well as any employee or student group can request a workshop.
To schedule a meeting or request a workshop, email Ombuds-KPSOM@kp.org.
For more information, visit the Office of the Ombuds portal (must be signed on to the Kaiser Permanente network for access).