Sexually inappropriate behavior in professional practice: Complaints to the Medical Ethics Tribunal (Uruguay, 2012–2024)

Abstract

Introduction

Sexual violence is a globally prevalent phenomenon that impacts all sectors, including the medical profession. Several publications have raised concerns about inappropriate sexual behavior in professional practice. This is the first Uruguayan report, aimed at systematically organizing the complaints submitted regarding these sexual transgressions to the official tribunal responsible for the ethical oversight of the profession.

Method

This is a retrospective, observational study examining the judgments issued since 2012.

Results

Complaints related to this issue constituted 11.77 % of the total. All physicians reported were male. Psychiatrists and gynecologists were the most frequently cited specialists and received the most severe sanctions. Nearly all complainants were women. Many complaints involved physical contact and verbal abuse and almost all complaints resulted in sanctions against the physicians, including professional suspensions.

Conclusions

The limited number of cases requires caution in conclusions. From the data we report, based on all reported cases, the following emerges: 1) Inappropriate sexual behaviors in professional settings are not exceptional. 2) They are underrepresented within the realm of complaints related to breaches of medical ethics. 3) These behaviors reflect gender inequality and are exacerbated by other asymmetries inherent in the clinical relationship and hierarchical structures. 4) Users of mental health and gynecological services are particularly vulnerable. 5) Despite evidentiary challenges, legal proceedings succeed in overcoming the presumption of innocence and sanctioning offenders. 6) A lack of national regulations with greater specificity for such transgressions was observed.