In this episode the team discuss the subject of sexual abuse in medical settings, as female surgeons report being sexually harassed, assaulted and raped by senior male surgeons in the workplace.
A new study (titled ‘Breaking the Silence’ written by the University of Exeter, the University of Surrey and the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery) highlighted a pattern of trainees being abused by senior male surgeons. The Royal College of Anaesthetists called the research “deeply shocking and concerning”.
Dr Peter Hilton recently published a letter in the Times Newspaper, commenting on sexual abuse that female surgeons face in the workplace, which sparked fury and disgust amongst many. The doctor described young doctors as the “snowflake generation” that are “largely female” and “selected on mainly academic excellence. Not only are the comments made derogatory, but hugely sexist and misogynistic too.
Questions have arose as to how a man of such views ever ended up in a position of power such as his until he retired at 71 years old. His letter simply reflects an outdated culture of misogyny and bullying, and highlights the work that needs to be done in ensuring a safe working environment for medical staff.
