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Gender-Based Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in Medical Physics

Authors :
Kelly C. Paradis
Kerry A. Ryan
Elizabeth L. Covington
Spencer Schmid
Samantha J. Simiele
Christina H. Chapman
Richard Castillo
Jean M. Moran
Martha M. Matuszak
Terri Bott-Kothari
James M. Balter
Reshma Jagsi
Source :
International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics. 116:314-327
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
Elsevier BV, 2023.

Abstract

Gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment have been well-studied in the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine. However, less is known about these topics and their effect within the profession of medical physics. We aimed to better understand and clarify the views and experiences of practicing medical physicists and medical physics residents regarding gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment.We conducted in-depth, semistructured, and confidential interviews with 32 practicing medical physicists and medical physics residents across the United States. The interviews were broad and covered the topics of discrimination, mentorship, and work/life integration. All participants were associated with a department with a residency program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs and had appointments with a clinical component.Participants shared views about gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment that were polarized. Some perceived that discrimination and harassment were a current concern within medical physics, while some either perceived that they were not a concern or that discrimination positively affected women and minoritized populations. Many participants shared personal experiences of discrimination and harassment, including those related to unequal compensation, discrimination against mothers, discrimination during the hiring process, gender-biased assumptions about behaviors or goals, communication biases, and overt and persistent sexual harassment.There is an urgent need to acknowledge, better understand, and address gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment in the field of medical physics.

Details

ISSN :
03603016
Volume :
116
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....de12adfa386d53eebef0fde085dfde22
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.10.004