Sexual Harassment in Radiology: Prevalence and Opportunities for Improvement.

Abstract

Radiologists have a key role in the delivery of modern medicine and interface with almost every medical subspecialty within health care systems. Radiology requires collaborative team science and continued communication across providers. Essential to these ends is an inclusive and respectful environment. Therefore, sexual harassment cannot be tolerated. This perspective provides an overview of the existing literature on sexual harassment in medicine and sexual harassment in radiology and suggestions for creating change within the field of radiology to address sexual harassment. This article also discusses specific ways that radiologists can be engaged as bystanders who intervene effectively to stop or mitigate problematic situations as they occur. Although individual changes in behavior can be impactful, ultimately, wholesale cultural transformation is key to preventing sexual harassment. Leaders in radiology, like leaders everywhere, must make clear that harassing behaviors will not be tolerated and that those who have committed harassment will be held accountable.