L. F. Arnold1, S. R. Zargham1, C. E. Gordon1, W. I. William I. McKinley1, E. H. Bruenderman1, J. L. Weaver1, M. E. Egger1, M. V. Benns1, A. T. Motameni1 1University Of Louisville,Surgery,Louisville, KY, USA
Introduction:
The reality of sexual harassment is unmasking in many fields. Residents make up a vulnerable group and are at risk of being sexually harassed. In this study we focus on prevalence of sexual harassment among residents in general surgery, pediatrics and internal medicine with a focus on identifying underlying reasons for lack of victim reporting.
Methods:
Survey on sexual harassment was emailed to 261 general surgery, 132 pediatric, and 271 internal medicine programs. The survey focused on specific examples of sexual harassment, reporting and resident knowledge and awareness of institutional support programs for victims of sexual harassment.
Results:
379 residents responded to the survey. Females were more likely to be subject of harassment compared to males (83% vs 46%, p<.0001). Offensive and/or suggestive jokes and comments were the most common type of harassment experienced by both genders. Most residents were unlikely to report the offender (87% females vs. 93% males). There was no significant difference in the number of residents who reported experiencing some sort of harassment based on resident specialty (69% general surgery, 64% internal medicine, 69% pediatrics). 73% of residents believed they would be supported by their program if they reported a sexual harassment events, only 38% of females and 40% of males were aware of institutional support in place for victims of sexual harassment at their program.
Conclusion:
Sexual harassment continues to be a problem in the medical field. Residents continue to train in environments where reaching their full potential can be restrained. Radical steps must be taken to address the problem of sexual harassment and to create the optimal setting for training residents.