Healthcare professionals lack training as to acceptable and unacceptable behavior about sexual boundary issues. Results from several reports indicate, “the number of physicians struggling with sexual boundary problems appears to be 3-10% (Swiggart & Starr, 2002) of the U.S. physician population (reported incidents).  Physicians are not familiar with the FSMB Guidelines addressing sexual boundaries.

Physicians who attend the course come with little training in the area of sexual impropriety, misconduct, and sexual harassment.  Most physician referrals for unprofessional conduct are related to sexual boundaries.   Course participants will learn new skills, be better prepared to recognize sexual boundary violations, and adhere to the current rules related to appropriate sexual conduct in their individual practices and avoid future difficulties.  Physicians will learn the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) Guidelines for addressing sexual boundaries.

Additional Resources:

Facts about sexual harassment

Federation of State Medical Boards

FSMB Policy

ABIM Foundation, medical professionalism in the new millenium

American College of Physicians, Ethics Manual

1. define sexual misconduct
2. compare and contrast examples of the two levels of sexual misconduct
3. identify three preventive measures to avoid sexual misconduct
4. develop personal action plan to avoid sexual misconduct

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This enduring material received no commercial support.