Posted February 20, 2017 14:50:46

The dean of the ANU's medical school has helped launch a new campaign to stem bullying and harassment in the medical profession, saying she herself was a victim as a junior doctor.

Imogen Mitchell said she experienced this kind of bad behaviour early in her career.

"Whilst I'm happy to acknowledge I have suffered those experiences, I still don't feel safe enough to speak out," Professor Mitchell said.

The comment was made at the launch of a new booklet for victims outlining where to find help, written by two medical students.

Professor Mitchell said although she was still uncomfortable talking about her own experiences, she hoped ANU students would feel safe enough to speak up.

"The reason I'm asking them to come forward, is because I feel I've created a safe environment," she said.

"I guess in the sphere that I had been operating, I don't think I would have said it was safe."

Third-year medical student Greg Threlfall co-authored the booklet with school graduate Eilidh Gilritchie.

Mr Threlfall said while he had never experienced bullying or harassment himself, many medical students who had came forward to contribute to the project.

He said some of the stories the students shared were "horrific".

"They've all had input into this booklet, from the perspective of 'what would I have wanted if this happened to me and what would I want in terms of help?'" he said.

A 2003 Medical Journal of Australia study found 81 per cent of medical students had witnessed humiliation during adult clinical rotations.

The same study found 74 per cent of students had experienced humiliation.

Professor Mitchell said the ANU medical school would not accept bullying and harassment.

"We've taken it very seriously and have acted on it and there have been consequences," she said.

She said as well as providing a valuable resource for victims, the launch of a the booklet was a symbolic moment as well.

"That you're drawing a line in the sand medical culture is going to take a long time to change. But I guess, you've got to start somewhere," she said.

Topics: medical-ethics, health, doctors-and-medical-professionals, australian-national-university-0200, canberra-2600, act, australia

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ANU medical school dean tells of early career harassment, saying she still does not feel safe enough to speak - ABC Online