The Victorian Medical Women’s Society (VMWS) Press Release 18th April 2008

Sexual Harassment of Doctors-in-training

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) awarded $100,000  in recognition of substantial damages to a female surgical trainee three years after an episode of  sexual harassment had occurred at a major Melbourne teaching hospital.

Dr Tan paid an enormous personal price for whistle-blowing. Since reporting her abuse Dr Tan has experienced a terrible ordeal, complete with the denigration of her character and professional competence, moving interstate to continue her training before finally being vindicated this month.

Bullying, intimidation, physical abuse, sexual harassment and sexual abuse are behaviours all doctors- in-training, whether male or female, should not have to face. It is particularly important that those in powerful positions — tutors, teachers, consultants and supervisors—behave in an exemplary fashion modelling appropriate behaviours for their medical students and trainees.  Furthermore, processes must be in place for complaints to be heard and dealt with in a timely, fair and independent manner, without risk to the whistleblower’s character or future employment.

The VMWS supports the development of clear and transparent guidelines and processes for reporting bullying, intimidation, physical abuse, sexual harassment and sexual abuse by all institutions that train medical students and doctors.

The VMWS supports the appointment and of an independent review panel, such as the Medical Board of Victoria, that will review all complaints in an independent, thorough and timely manner.

Dr Jan Coles
President
Victorian Medical Women’s Society