Sexual harassment goes both ways in the surgical room, senior doctors say, who argue that female doctors and nurses do not hesitate to use their sexuality to get ahead.

In submissions to the Royal Australian College of Surgeons inquiry into discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment, some doctors have argued that targets of harassment are not just restricted to young female trainees.

Australian Medical Association president Brian Owler. Credit:Andrew Meares

South Australian doctor Randolf Williams said that while sexual harassment was unacceptable and should be considered separately from other types of bullying behaviour, women could also be the perpetrators.

"I have known female doctors (and nurses) who have not hesitated in using their sexuality and feminine wiles attempting to gain advantage in the workplace," he wrote.