Promising Young Surgeon

Breaking the Silence: Sexual Assault and Power Dynamics with Dr. Melinda Thacker

Promising Young Surgeon

Show Notes

**This episode discusses sensitive topics, including sexual assault in the workplace. We understand that these conversations can be difficult or triggering for some listeners. Please take care of yourself and listen with caution. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, we encourage you to seek support from a trusted professional or a local support service.

In the Season 4 premiere of Promising Young Surgeon, we confront the sensitive and critical issue of sexual assault in medical training. Dr. Melinda Thacker, an ENT surgeon and coach, joins us to share her personal story and insights. Mel recounts a harrowing experience from her fourth year of residency, shedding light on the challenges and trauma faced by medical trainees. She discusses the compassionate support she received from her program and the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all residents. The conversation delves into the broader implications of power dynamics, organizational tolerance, and the need for a cultural shift in medical training.

Resources: When The Medical Trainee is the Victim https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/what-if-resident-or-medical-student-raped-hospitals-and-academic-medical-centers-title-ix/2018-01#:~:text=Like%20other%20sexual%20assault%20victims,hospital%20for%20formal%20investigation%20and

Sexual Harassment within the Educational Context of Medicine https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-021-02497-y

Sexual Harassment in Medicine https://www.aamc.org/news/sexual-harassment-medicine

Interact with the podcast! Email me at [email protected] to ask questions. We would love to hear from the Promising Young Surgeon audience. Promising Young Surgeon is sponsored by Pattern. Discover why more than 20,000 doctors trust Pattern to shop for disability insurance. Request free quotes in 5 minutes. Compare policies with an expert. Buy with confidence. LINK: https://www.patternlife.com/promising-young-surgeon?campid=349433 Subscribe, tune in, and join the conversation as Dr. Hardin and her guests tackle the pressing issues facing today's medical professionals and ponder how to nurture a more compassionate and sustainable healthcare environment.

Connect with Frances Mei: https://linktr.ee/francesmei.md https://rethinkingresidency.com/about/

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