Policy on Admissions Conflict of Interest

Any persons participating in the medical school admissions process shall recuse themselves in any case where they have, or appear to have, a conflict of interest concerning the applicant. A conflict of interest is present if the person may have an interest in the outcome other than the recruitment of the most qualified applicants.

Examples of a conflict of interest include, but are not limited to, a situation where a member of the interview committee or admissions committee is:

1. Related by blood or marriage to an applicant
2. Currently or previously in a significant teaching or social relationship with an applicant
3. Currently or previously In a significant social or work relationship with a colleague who is related to an applicant
4. In a position where a conflict of interest relating to an applicant has been previously identified

Any member of the interview or Admissions Committee who is aware of applicants who fit any of the above criteria should refrain from interviewing or ranking the applicant and leave the Admissions Committee meeting during the discussion of the applicant.

The decisions of the Admissions Committee regarding applicants must be free from intimidation and not influenced by any political or financial factors. Any person participating in the medical school admissions process who has a question or potential conflict of interest must inform the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs so that action may be taken to ensure that such conflict does not influence objective decision-making.

Interviewers and Admissions Committee Members must review and acknowledge this policy annually.