“Medical Workplace Civility Watch”: An Attempt to Improve the Medical Training Culture

Modern medical education in Iran initiated after the establishment of Tehran University School of Medicine in 1934 (1). During the last three decades, more emphasis has been placed on the successful upgrading of medical training, the educational programs, and curriculum (2). Moreover, great strides have been made in teaching and practicing biomedical ethics, especially in the field of education (3). In order to continue this path, the authors, as young medical faculties in Iran, have discovered that some uncivil behavior could negatively affect the medical training atmosphere, especially in the residency training period. Uncivil behavior such as bullying, harassment and undermining is a widespread issue which is not limited to certain countries or specific educational programs (4). Bullying and harassment impact negatively on patient care and safety, medical education, medical students’ psychological health and well-being, and organizational costs (5). In Iran, several rules and policies have been established with respect to some negative workplace behaviors such as sexual harassment, physical violence and aggressive communication, but those grey areas such as bullying and harassment have not yet been appropriately considered. Previous studies have recommended that training medical students, residents, and faculty members regarding uncivil behavior and their negative effects could raise awareness besides providing a desired atmosphere for eliminating or at least decreasing uncivil behavior.