In a disturbing revelation, female surgeons have come forward to report instances of sexual assault occurring in operating theatres during surgical procedures. A study conducted by the University of Exeter, the University of Surrey, and the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery has exposed a disconcerting pattern of female trainees being subjected to abuse by senior male surgeons, and shockingly, these incidents are occurring in NHS hospitals.
The Royal College of Surgeons has described the study’s findings as “truly shocking,” underlining the gravity of the issue.
Please be advised that this article contains graphic details, and support is available for anyone affected by these incidents.
Sexual harassment, sexual assault, and even rape have been described as an open secret within the realm of surgery.
Instances include women being fondled inside their surgical scrubs, male surgeons wiping their brows on the breasts of female colleagues, and men deliberately rubbing against female staff with erections. Some women have been propositioned with career opportunities in exchange for sexual favors.
The study, shared exclusively with BBC News, paints a grim picture of the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault within the surgical community. Nearly two-thirds of female surgeons who participated in the study reported being targets of sexual harassment, and a third disclosed incidents of sexual assault perpetrated by their colleagues over the past five years.
These revelations point to a pervasive culture of silence within the surgical field, where women fear that reporting these incidents may harm their careers and have little confidence that the NHS will take effective action.
Instances in the Operating Theatre
One experienced consultant surgeon, who goes by the pseudonym Judith, revealed her traumatic experience of sexual assault during her early career. She found herself in a situation where she had the least authority in the operating theatre, and a senior male surgeon began to sweat profusely.
“He just turned round and buried his head right into my breasts, and I realized he was wiping his brow on me,” Judith recounted. She described feeling frozen and humiliated, questioning why this senior surgeon’s face was in her cleavage.
When this occurred a second time, Judith offered to fetch a towel, to which he responded, “No, this is much more fun,” she recalled, “and it was the smirk – I felt dirty, I felt humiliated.” Equally disturbing to Judith was the deafening silence of her colleagues, who did not intervene.
A Culture of Silence and Coercion
Another victim, referred to as Anne (pseudonym for legal reasons), disclosed her experience of non-consensual sex at a social event linked to a medical conference. Anne, a trainee, found herself in a vulnerable situation, manipulated by a consultant. She expressed trust in him and felt compelled to go along with the sexual act, despite it being against her will.
“It’s not what I wanted, it had never been what I wanted; it was totally unexpected,” Anne lamented. She recalled her body freezing during the assault, and she was unable to stop him.
Both women’s stories underscore the culture of silence and coercion that perpetuates these incidents, as junior female trainees often fear reprisals from senior colleagues who have significant influence over their careers.
Findings and Implications
The report, published in the British Journal of Surgery, provides a comprehensive snapshot of the issue, with responses from 1,434 registered surgeons, both men and women, who participated anonymously. Approximately 63% of women reported experiencing sexual harassment from colleagues, and 30% disclosed instances of sexual assault. Shockingly, at least 11 cases of rape were reported. Moreover, 90% of women and 81% of men had witnessed various forms of sexual misconduct.
While the report acknowledges that men also experience some forms of harassment (24% reported sexual harassment), it underscores that male and female surgeons are living in “different realities.”
Dr. Christopher Begeny from the University of Exeter stated, “Our findings are likely to shake the confidence of the public in the surgical profession.”
Calls for Change
A second report titled “Breaking the Silence: Addressing Sexual Misconduct in Healthcare” is proposing recommendations for necessary changes. These reports collectively emphasize the need for a culture shift and external, independent investigation processes to ensure that healthcare becomes a safer working environment.
The British Medical Association described the findings as “atrocious,” while the Royal College of Surgeons of England admitted that the survey’s findings are deeply troubling. It called for a culture of zero tolerance and mechanisms for reporting incidents seriously.
Dr. Binta Sultan from NHS England acknowledged the report’s difficulty and the need for more action to make hospitals “safe for all.” The General Medical Council also updated its professional standards, stating that sexual misconduct is unacceptable and incompatible with continuing medical practice in the UK.
However, as Judith poignantly noted, surgery is not always a safe place for women to work. The need for change and accountability remains paramount in addressing these deeply entrenched issues.
