A recent cohort study consisting of over 4,000 trainees has shed light on the decrease in rates of sexual harassment and gender harassment during intern year. The study, conducted by Elena Frank, PhD, and her colleagues at the Michigan Neuroscience Institute at the University of Michigan, revealed a significant reduction in the incidence of sexual harassment from 62.8% in 2017 to 54.6% in 2023, as well as a decrease in gender harassment from 61% to 51.7%. The findings also indicated a rise in the recognition of these behaviors among interns, particularly among female and surgical trainees.
Increased Recognition, But Alarming Trends
While the study reported an increase in the recognition of sexual harassment and gender harassment among interns, it also highlighted some concerning trends. Rates of sexual coercion more than doubled for women, from 2.3% to 5.5%, and for nonsurgical interns from 1.6% to 4% over the same time period. These findings suggest that while interns are becoming more aware of what constitutes harassment, there is still a long way to go in addressing and preventing such unacceptable behaviors in the medical field.
Women trainees were found to have some unique stressors during internship that could be detrimental to their well-being. The study noted a significant increase in recognition of unwanted sexual attention among female trainees, as well as a drastic rise in gender harassment recognition among surgical trainees. These findings point towards the specific challenges and obstacles faced by women in the medical profession, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and support systems.
The gap between experiencing harassment and recognizing it was identified as a major issue in the culture of medicine. Reshma Jagsi, MD, DPhil, of Emory University School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of raising awareness of such behaviors and initiating a cultural shift within the medical community. The study authors suggested that future research should delve deeper into specialty-specific and program-specific factors that influence sexual harassment and reporting, in order to develop more effective interventions.
While the decrease in rates of sexual harassment and gender harassment among medical interns is a positive development, the study highlights the need for ongoing efforts to combat such behaviors and create a safer and more inclusive environment for trainees. The recognition of these issues is a crucial first step, but it is vital to translate awareness into action in order to effect meaningful change within the medical profession.