In this presentation, Dr. Rola El-Serag, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and Medical Director of the Women Veteran’s Health Program at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, discusses the widespread problem of sexual harassment in medical education and our society in general. Female matriculants have composed almost half of medical students for the last decade. However, medical education institutions have yet to significantly change how they perceive, report, or discipline harassment. Dr. El-Serag highlights recent studies showing gender discrimination in career advancement and physician pay, as well as studies showing the prevalence of sexual harassment in medical institutions. She reviews relevant legislation in this area and defines characteristics of sexual harassment and hostile work environments. 

Dr. El-Serag concludes her presentation by discussing recommended actions individuals can take to address this issue, the problem of harassment of medical professionals by patients, and how medical institutions can achieve a culture of zero tolerance of harassment in their learning and working environments.