Preparing to prevent acts of violence and harassment in medical students in Mexico

Abstract

The abuse and harassment of medical students is an issue that requires attention and prevention. Various studies demonstrate the need to create a safe learning environment inside and outside educational institutions throughout the program, including clinical settings and social service. A national survey distributed in February 2021 by the Mexican Association of Physicians in Training AMMEF (by its acronym in Spanish) and the Association of Mexican Faculties and Schools of Medicine AMFEM (by its acronym in Spanish) reached 2,458 students from the public (74.4%) and private (25.6%) universities. The last section included questions related to violence and harassment. As a result, 40% of the participants reported experiencing sexual harassment or violence during their medical training. Four actions are recommended to prevent and address the conditions of violence and harassment: 1) Have orientation for the academic community on the types of violence, 2) Have reliable reporting channels, 3) Have mentoring throughout the program, 4) Have academic societies. These actions intend to establish protocols and support networks so that students have mechanisms for self-care and reporting situations that endanger their physical and emotional health. Likewise, the recommendations presented here seek to promote standards to be included in the affiliation and accreditation reference frameworks as part of the Incremental Quality Model. There is no reason to wait to take care of the most valuable asset in medical schools: the students.