2024-11-20 23:55:00
“The data tells us they are sexist and violent they exist on a large scale in the medical world… We face them. » The president of the National Council of the Order of Doctors, François Arnault, did not mince words in presenting the results of a vast declarative survey on Wednesday 20 November at the headquarters of the ordinal body in Paris.
This investigation was decided after the wave of testimonies and reactions from caregivers posted on social media in the spring, behind the hashtag #metoohopital. Led by the vice presidents of the Order, Marie-Pierre Glaviano-Ceccaldi and Jean-Marcel Mourgues, it took place online from 23 September to 14 October. A questionnaire was sent to the 285,000 doctors registered with the Order; 21,140 responded and 19,104 responses were retained – those of doctors and doctoral students (at the end of their internship) in regular practise.
Almost one in three doctors (29%) say they have already been a victim of sexual and gender-based violence. With a very marked gap between women and men: if 54% of female doctors declare having suffered sexual violence more often during their studies (48%), but also in the professional field (25%), this ratio is 5% among men.
The medical world is very exposed
In detail, the facts reported are first of all outrages (49%), followed by harassment (18%), assaults (9%) and rape (2%). Almost half of the female doctors (49%) were attacked by another doctor registered with the Order, more and more frequently during their studies (23%) than in their professional life (10%), compared to 3% of male doctors.
For the majority of those interviewed, even when they have not had personal experiences of sexist and sexual violence, it is a tangible reality: two out of three doctors (65%) say they have been aware of facts of this type during their studies or during their training course. professional life – and this even applies to three quarters (74%) of those under 40.
A large third of respondents mentioned the trivialization of this violence in the medical world. “Many also point out that victims have difficulty speaking up or that victims, when they speak out, are subject to discrimination in the rest of their careers” (failure to obtain the assignment, change of service, “put in the closet”etc.), underlined Dr. Glaviano-Ceccaldi at the end of the press conference.
How can the medical community create a safer environment for doctors who are victims of violence?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and François Arnault, President of the National Council of the Order of Doctors
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, François Arnault. The results of the recent survey on sexual and gender-based violence in the medical field are quite alarming. Can you tell us what motivated the National Council of the Order of Doctors to conduct this survey?
François Arnault: Thank you for having me. The survey was largely driven by the overwhelming testimonies we witnessed on social media, particularly under the hashtag #metoohopital. It became clear that there was a systemic issue within our medical community that needed to be addressed directly. We wanted to understand the scale of the problem and gather data that reflects the reality faced by our colleagues.
Time.news Editor: The findings are indeed striking, with almost one in three doctors reporting having faced sexual and gender-based violence. Can you elaborate on how these experiences differ between male and female doctors?
François Arnault: Certainly. The data shows a stark contrast between the experiences of female and male doctors. While 54% of female doctors reported experiencing sexual violence, this figure drops dramatically to just 5% for their male counterparts. This disparity underscores the need for urgent action to protect our vulnerable members and create a safer environment in our profession.
Time.news Editor: What specific types of violence were reported, and what do those statistics reveal about the culture in the medical field?
François Arnault: The survey revealed that the majority of incidents involve verbal outrages, which accounted for 49% of reported cases, followed by harassment at 18%, assaults at 9%, and sadly, 2% reporting rape. Notably, almost half of the women who reported being attacked stated that their assailant was another doctor. This indicates a deeply troubling aspect of our culture, suggesting that those who are supposed to provide care and support may also be perpetrators of harm.
Time.news Editor: How does the Order plan to address these issues moving forward? What measures are being considered?
François Arnault: Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach. First, we must implement comprehensive training programs focused on respect and consent within medical institutions. Additionally, we are considering policies that reinforce reporting mechanisms, ensuring that victims feel safe and supported when coming forward. It is crucial that we foster an environment where such behavior is not tolerated, and accountability is paramount.
Time.news Editor: Conversely, how do you think the medical community can better support victims of these experiences?
François Arnault: Support for victims must be at the forefront of our initiatives. This involves providing safe spaces for reporting incidents, offering psychological support, and ensuring that victims have access to legal resources. Furthermore, we must cultivate a culture of solidarity among doctors, fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered to speak out and stand against violence.
Time.news Editor: what message do you hope to convey to the medical staff and the general public regarding this urgent issue?
François Arnault: My primary message is that we must all take responsibility for our work environment. The medical community must not only acknowledge the existence of these issues but actively participate in eradicating them. By standing together against violence and supporting one another, we can pave the way for a healthier future for our organizations and the broader society.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, François Arnault, for your insights and for addressing this critical issue. We look forward to seeing how the Council will implement these necessary changes in the medical field.
François Arnault: Thank you for shining a light on this important topic. Together, we can make meaningful progress.