Academic Medicine Bullying, experienced by Lead Women Physicians

Abstract

Background: Bullying is a serious issue in academic medicine, which can have significant negative impacts on the victims and the entire healthcare system. Women physicians are particularly vulnerable to bullying because of the gender-based power imbalances that exist in the healthcare industry.

Objective: This study aims to identify the prevalence and kind of bullying experienced by women physician leaders in academic medicine.

Methodology: A total of 50 female lead physicians working in academic medicine in Karachi, Pakistan were asked to participate in a survey-based study that examined workplace bullying. Several self-generated questions were posed to the participants, such as: What forms of bullying they experienced in academic medicine, when they had been bullied, how it affected their careers, and bullying solutions.

Results: A total of 50 female lead physicians take part in this survey. The mean age of the study participants was 51 ± 2.76 years.

Conclusion: Based on the survey findings, it is clear that bullying of lead women physicians is a prevalent issue in academic medicine. The study found that lead women physicians experienced various types of bullying, including harassment, discrimination, and exclusion from professional opportunities. The findings suggest that creating a more equitable and diverse workplace environment, promoting gender equity, and providing more opportunities for women in leadership positions could help to mitigate bullying of lead women physicians.