The medical supervisor-trainee relationship

It is the position of the North Carolina Medical Board that the relationship between medical supervisors and their trainees in medical schools and other medical training programs is one of the most valuable aspects of medical education. We note, however, that this relationship involves inherent inequalities in status and power that, if abused, may adversely affect the educational experience and, ultimately, patient care. Abusive behavior in the medical supervisor-trainee relationship, whether physical or verbal, is a form of unprofessional conduct. However, criticism and/or negative feedback that is offered with the aim of improving the educational experience and patient care should not be construed as abusive behavior.