Efforts to reflect on and resolve sexual violence in the medical field in Korea

ABSTRACT

Some coercive aspects of culture in the medical field that have traditionally been regarded as routine practice are now gradually changing in the aftermath of the MeToo movement that has come to Korea, due to improved awareness of sexual violence. It is important for the medical community to endeavor to eradicate sexual violence by implementing the measures against sexual violence proposed by medical organizations, including the Korean Medical Women's Association. The medical field should undergo a self-purification process, so that medical personnel can change themselves and their own behavior in the context of the medical profession, which is a noble occupation that deals with life-and-death matters. As such, essential elements of the training system of doctors should be maintained. Developing action plans to properly deal with sexual violence incidents in medical institutions can be considered the first step in this process.