TIME’S UP Healthcare: Can we put an end to gender inequality and harassment in medicine?

Abstract

Female doctors are calling for safer and more equal workplaces for the benefit of the workforce and patients

Physicians and healthcare professionals in the era of #Metoo

“…For a number of reasons, healthcare professionals are in unique situations where a lot of good is done, but the opportunity exists to cause harm to vulnerable patients or clients. [3456] In addition, healthcare can be a 24/7 business involving a lot of special circumstances. As a result, healthcare professionals need to make deliberate efforts to avoid causing harm.…”

“…Our professional codes of conduct mandate that we demonstrate cultural competence and gender sensitivity in interactions with our clients/patients/audiences. [345] For example, reports of physician mistrust, disrespect towards patients, engaging in sexual relationships, and poor communication with patients and clients are not infrequent and have long-term implications for the physician-patient relationship, treatment adherence, and overall health outcomes. Physicians and other healthcare workers are in a certain “positions of power” even without conscious awareness.…”

“…We must remain cognizant of our authority and its impact, while allowing a lot of space for shared decision making with respect and sensitivity. [34578] This is particularly true when working with members of vulnerable populations such as women, persons from lower socioeconomic status groups, children and adolescents, and others (e.g., victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse, homeless, and disabled individuals). We must hope to carry our responsibilities with the highest standards of professional conduct at all times because our respective fields demand it, the #MeToo movement notwithstanding.…”

“…Social activism, lesser stigma, willingness of victims to speak up, involvement of prominent people in the society (victims and accused), legal reforms, and mass media movements such as #MeToo may have renewed our awareness of the pervasive problem of GBV. [1234]…”

Ten Eleven Things Not to Say to Your Female Colleagues

“…6 Bystander interventions involve "people in the environment to set the tone for what's acceptable and what's not acceptable behavior." It can be risky for those who are targets of this behavior to address it themselves.…”