The word Ombudsman (om - buds - man) comes from Scandinavia where the term was used during the 19th century to designate a public official who was appointed to investigate citizens’ complaints against governmental agencies. Here at Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Harvard School of Public Health the Ombudsperson provides an impartial review to surface and fairly resolve problems that arise within the organizations, and to give generic upward feedback on systemic concerns to senior management.