Several female surgeons have backed Sydney surgeon Gabrielle McMullin’s claims that sexual harassment is occurring within a culture of silence.
The claims, published by Fairfax Media on Monday, range from reportedly inappropriate jokes to sexual advances from senior colleagues.
Some female surgeons have said that the notion that harassment is rife is “preposterous”, but Dr McMullin isn't backing down.
“What women are saying is that they’re being victimised and they’re having to keep quiet,” she said.
Fifth year medical student Tori Berquist said while trainees enjoyed greater legal protection from abuse, she had witnessed discomfiting unreported behaviour from doctors.
Ms Berquist said such behaviour often went unreported due to fears over career progression.
"You know, (doctors) commenting on a group of medical student women as a gaggle of girls, giggly, gossipy," she said.
"It can certainly make students feel uncomfortable but not prepared to report the behaviour as unprofessional, because of the impact it may have on their relationship with the doctor, or on their chances of employment within the hospital network."
The Australian Medical Association said complaints processes are well-established and are “taken seriously... at the highest level”.
AMA president Brian Owler said trainees should not be facing sexual harassment, nor accepting it as something “they just have to deal with”.
“We’re very happy to represent any individual and, in face, have done so with individuals in the past where they have had issues of sexual harassment,” he said.
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