2024-11-20 23:55:00
“The figures tell us that sexist and sexual violence exist on a large scale in the medical world… We face them. » The president of the National Council of the Order of Physicians, François Arnault, did not mince his words when presenting, Wednesday, November 20, at the headquarters of the ordinal body, in Paris, the results of a vast declarative survey.
This investigation was decided after the wave of testimonies and reactions from caregivers posted on social networks in the spring, behind the hashtag #metoohopital. Led by the vice-presidents of the Order, Marie-Pierre Glaviano-Ceccaldi and Jean-Marcel Mourgues, it was carried out online from September 23 to October 14. A questionnaire was sent to the 285,000 doctors registered with the Order; 21,140 responded and 19,104 of their responses were retained – those of doctors and junior doctors (at the end of their internship) in regular activity.
Nearly one in three doctors (29%) say they have already been the victim of gender-based and sexual violence. With a very marked gap between women and men: if 54% of female doctors declare having suffered sexual violence most often during their studies (48%), but also in the professional context (25%), this ratio is 5% among men.
The medical world very exposed
In detail, the facts declared are first of all outrages (49%), followed by acts of harassment (18%), assaults (9%) and rapes (2%). Almost half of female doctors (49%) have been attacked by another doctor registered with the Order, again more frequently during their studies (23%) than in professional life (10%), compared to 3% of male doctors. .
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For the majority of respondents, even when they have not had personal experience of sexist and sexual violence, it is a tangible reality: two out of three doctors (65%) say they were aware of facts of this type during their studies or during their professional life – and this is even the case for three quarters (74%) of those under 40.
A large third of respondents mentioned the trivialization of this violence in the medical world. “There are also many who point out that victims have difficulty making themselves heard or that victims, when they speak, are subject to discrimination in the rest of their careers” (failure to obtain a position, change of service, “put in the closet”etc.), underlined, at the conclusion of the press conference, Dr. Glaviano-Ceccaldi.
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What measures is the National Council of the Order of Physicians considering to ensure a safe reporting environment for incidents of gender-based and sexual violence within the medical community?
### Interview with François Arnault, President of the National Council of the Order of Physicians
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, François. You recently presented the findings of a significant survey regarding gender-based and sexual violence within the medical community. What prompted the National Council to conduct this investigation now?
**François Arnault:** Thank you for having me. The impetus for this survey was a wave of testimonials on social media, particularly the hashtag #metoohopital, which highlighted the pervasive issues of sexism and violence in our field. It became clear that we needed to examine this situation formally and gather data to understand the full scope of the problem.
**Interviewer:** The results are quite alarming. Can you share what some of the key findings were?
**François Arnault:** Certainly. Our survey, which involved responses from over 19,000 doctors and junior doctors, revealed that nearly 29% reported experiencing some form of gender-based or sexual violence during their careers. The data showed a stark contrast between experiences of male and female doctors; 54% of female respondents indicated they had faced sexual violence, often while in medical school or in professional settings, compared to just 5% of male doctors.
**Interviewer:** That disparity is striking. What do you attribute to this significant difference in experiences?
**François Arnault:** There are historical and societal factors at play here. The medical field, like many others, has been shaped by deeply entrenched gender roles and stereotypes, which can lead to a hostile environment for women. Our findings echo concerns about systemic sexism, which can manifest in various forms, from subtle discrimination to overt acts of violence and harassment. This issue needs urgent attention to foster a safer and more equitable workplace for all medical professionals.
**Interviewer:** What steps do you think can be taken to address these issues within the medical community?
**François Arnault:** First and foremost, we must create an environment where individuals feel safe to report incidents without fear of reprisal. This means instituting comprehensive training programs that focus on respect and equality, alongside robust reporting mechanisms. Additionally, we need to cultivate a culture of accountability, ensuring that those who perpetrate violence face serious consequences. Only through these measures can we work towards eradicating this deeply rooted problem.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like there is a long road ahead, but it’s encouraging to see steps being taken. What message would you like to send to the medical professionals who may be experiencing these issues?
**François Arnault:** I want them to know that they are not alone, and their experiences are valid. We are committed to listening to their voices and working towards real change. It’s vital for all members of the medical community to support one another and advocate for a workplace that is free from violence and discrimination.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, François, for your insights and for addressing this critical issue. We hope to see positive changes in the medical field soon.
**François Arnault:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we keep this conversation going and continue to push for progress.
