Resident bullying in diagnostic radiology

Abstract

PurposeWorkplace bullying has been reported in multiple medical specialties outside of diagnostic radiology within the United States. The purpose of this study was to survey diagnostic radiology residents in the United States to determine if: (1) residents had experienced bullying, (2) residents had witnessed bullying of other residents, (3) residents were aware of zero-tolerance policy for workplace bullying at their institution, (4) residents were aware of no retaliation policies for reporting bullying at their institution. Materials and methodsIn December 2017, a weekly E-mail for 4 weeks was sent to diagnostic radiology residents in the United States (residents) who had attended the July 2017, September 2017 and October 2017 4-week American Institute for Radiologic Pathology (AIRP) resident course to participate in an online, anonymous, voluntary survey. Results28% of radiology resident respondents reported workplace bullying during their residency. One third of radiology residents have witnessed workplace bullying of another radiology resident at their facility. Approximately one half (48%) of respondents did not know if their institution had a zero-tolerance policy for workplace bullying, and approximately one half (55%) of respondents did not know if their institution had a no retaliation policy for reporting workplace bullying. ConclusionOur survey of diagnostic radiology residents across the United States confirms workplace bullying during residency, and the opportunity for implementation of zero-tolerance and zero retaliation policies for reporting workplace bullying in residency training institutions.