Abuse of power over medical residents and students: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective

To qualitatively analyze the abuse situations, as well as victims’ perception on the resources needed for reporting and prevention.

Method

Interviews with 10 medical students and 15 medical residents were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. The interviews were interrupted once saturation was reached in both aspects of the research subject. Information was collected using pre-designed outlines and completed with transcribed notes at the end of each interview.

Results

A range of power abuse behaviors were identified, including social exclusion, hierarchical dynamics, and insufficient teaching and mentorship. Participants reported arbitrary favoritism of colleagues in the allocation of on-call duties. Instances of mockery, verbal abuse, and racial slurs were described. Gender-based discrimination manifested through sexist remarks and the sexualization of female physicians, including inappropriate comments and unsolicited advances, such as non-consensual touching and kissing. Victims frequently refrained from reporting these events due to fear of retaliation or a lack of awareness regarding available reporting mechanisms. Participants emphasized the need for preventive and protective strategies, and proposed training in labor rights and medical professionalism, alongside mentorship by educators genuinely committed to teaching, as essential preventive measures.

Conclusions

The results of this initial investigation support the notion that abuse is part of the medical training process. Victims identified multiple preventive strategies that merit consideration at the institutional level within both academic and healthcare settings.