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The Influence of Sexual Identity on Sexual Harassment During Residency Training: A Survey Study
Nicole Infantino1, Ashley Knebel, Mitchell J Christiansen
1From the College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University Nevada, Henderson, NV (Ms. Infantino); the Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI (Ms. Knebel); and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL (Mr. Christiansen and Dr. Mulcahey).
Introduction:
Representation of diverse populations within orthopaedic surgery lags behind other specialties. Underrepresented minority orthopaedic surgeons report workplace discrimination based on race and sexual orientation; however, the influence of intersecting underrepresented minority identities on the risk of experiencing sexual harassment during residency training remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of orthopaedic surgeons with sexual and gender minority identities who experience sexual harassment during training and report their experiences.
Methods:
An anonymous survey was distributed through Microsoft Forms to resident and active members of PrideOrtho. Respondents provided the following information: demographics, time since graduating residency, and residency program geographic location. Experiences of sexual harassment and reporting during residency were analyzed, and associations with demographic variables were examined.
Results:
In total, 47 survey responses were analyzed. Male trainees reported experiencing less sexual harassment compared with gender minority trainees (3 [15.0%] versus 17 [67.7%], P = 0.001). Reported sexual harassment instance did not differ significantly between White and minority racial groups (19 [46.3%] vs 1 [33.3%], P = 0.55). Only 8 (38.1%) of those who experienced sexual harassment during residency reported their experience. The most cited reason for nondisclosure was that the harasser was a supervisor (8; 61.5%).
Conclusion:
We found that male trainees reported markedly less sexual harassment compared with gender minority trainees. Racial or sexual minority status did not markedly influence the reported incidence of sexual harassment. Of participants who experienced sexual harassment, only one-third reported the incident, largely because of a perceived lack of support. This finding highlights the need for residency programs to implement training and support systems to limit sexual harassment and to support residents that do experience workplace harassment. Additional research is needed to better understand how the intersection of multiple minority identities may influence the experiences of orthopaedic residents regarding workplace sexual harassment.
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