There are several ombudspeople that you can contact for advice. The Ombudspeople provide an opportunity for students and residents to share and discuss concerns in an informal, neutral, independent, and confidential environment. If you are not sure about where to report your concerns or are trying to determine if something needs to be reported, the Ombudspeople are a great place to start.
Ombudspeople for MD Programs
Ashte' Collins, MD
acollins@mfa.gwu.edu
Ashté Collins, MD is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. He is also an associate professor of Medicine at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana and his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
Dr. Collins completed his Internal Medicine residency at The George Washington University Medical Center, where he served as chief medical resident and was nominated to Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. After chief residency, Dr. Collins completed his Nephrology fellowship training at The George Washington University Medical Center.
Lisa Schwartz, EdD, MS
lschwartz@gwu.edu
Lisa Schwartz (she/her/hers) is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences. After working as a genetic counselor for many years, Dr. Schwartz completed her doctorate in Higher Education Administration at GW's Graduate School of Education and Human Development prior to joining the SMHS faculty in 2010. Since then, Dr. Schwartz has served in numerous roles including chair of the Health Sciences Student Evaluation Committee, chair of the Clara Bliss Hinds Women in Medicine and Science Society, member of the Faculty Senate Standing Committee on Education Policy and Technology, member of the Health Sciences Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure (APT) Committee, and as a faculty panelist of the University Integrity and Conduct Council (UICC). In addition, she has led SMHS and university-wide initiatives to support mentorship. She teaches and mentors undergraduate and graduate students in a number of Health Sciences programs.
Alan Wasserman, MD
awasserman@mfa.gwu.edu
Alan Wasserman is the Eugene Meyer Professor of Medicine and Senior Academic Advisor. He was the Chair of the Department of Medicine from 1997 to 2021. He has been involved in medical house staff and student education for over 40 years as a Program Director, Division Director and Chair. Dr Wasserman is teaching in POM and is working with the Diversity Committee to make GW a more inclusive and safe environment in which to work, teach and learn.
Ombudsperson for Graduate Medical Education (Residents and Fellows)
Susanne Bathgate, MD
sbathgate@mfa.gwu.edu
Susanne Bathgate (she/her/hers) is an associate professor of OBGYN who joined the GWU faculty in 1992 after completing her training in OBGYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine fellowship at GWU. She has held positions on the SMHS and Post-Bac admissions committee, Medical Student Evaluations Committee, amongst others, and has served as GME ombudsman to the CLE for several years. Additionally, she currently serves as president of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia and participates in local advocacy. She participates in medical student education through lecturing in the Repro/Endo block, the 3rd year clerkship and directing the MS4 elective in Perinatal Medicine. She strives to create a supportive, inclusive environment where all can participate and make GWU a great place to learn and practice medicine
Ray Pla, MD
Ray Pla, MD is an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. A long time member of the GW Faculty, Dr Pla is dedicated to learners and to enhancing their clinical experience and mentoring them in their growth as members of the health care team.
Ombudsperson for Health Sciences Student:
Susan Okun, PhD
sjo@email.gwu.edu
Susan Okun is an experienced educator and higher education administrator. She earned a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1982 and graduated from law school with a J.D. from Boston University in 1986. Dr. Okun went on to complete a master’s degree in education at the University of Maryland at College Park in 1991.
MS4 CLE Reps:
Jennifer Dally: 317-850-6150 jsdally@gwmail.gwu.edu
Nina Afsar: nafsar@gwu.edu(link sends e-mail)
Shane Dong: 646-667-7449 shengd@gwmail.gwu.edu
MS3 CLE Reps:
Mansour Dehan: dehan@gwu.edu
Jocelyn Fant: 518-727-4466 jocelnyfant@gwmail.gwu.edu
Elizabeth Okundaye: eokundaye@gwu.edu
Miriam Salama: 507-271-4437 marsalama@gwmail.gwu.edu
PA-S CLE Reps:
Shyla Russell: srussell0@gwmail.gwu.edu