Sexual Harassment and Cardiothoracic Surgery: #UsToo?

Area of Science:

• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Medical Education
• Professional Well-being

Background:

• Sexual harassment (SH) is a recognized issue in science, engineering, and medicine, affecting 58% of women.
• The prevalence and nature of SH within cardiothoracic surgery were previously undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the extent and characteristics of sexual harassment (SH) experienced by individuals in cardiothoracic surgery.
• To compare the experiences of SH among different genders and professional levels within the field.

Main Methods:

• A survey was developed using validated instruments, including the Sexual Experience Questionnaire-Workplace.
• The survey was distributed to members of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Women in Thoracic Surgery, and Thoracic Surgery Residents Association.
• Statistical analyses, including t tests, Fisher exact tests, and chi-squared tests, were employed to compare responses.

Main Results:

• Of 790 respondents, 81% of female surgeons and 46% of male attending surgeons reported experiencing SH (P < .001).
• SH was prevalent among trainees (90% female vs. 32% male; P < .001), with supervising leaders and colleagues most frequently identified as offenders by women.
• Witnessing SH was common (75% of women, 51% of men), with victims predominantly identified as female; intervention was infrequent, and SH was linked to burnout.

Conclusions:

• Sexual harassment (SH) is a significant problem in cardiothoracic surgery, affecting both faculty and trainees.
• While women surgeons are disproportionately affected, men also experience SH. Bystander intervention rates are low.
• There is a critical need for implementing policies, safeguards, and bystander training to mitigate SH in cardiothoracic surgery.