Many doctors in German hospitals experience abuse of power by their superiors. In a survey published on Tuesday in Berlin by the Marburger Bund medical association, nearly half of respondents reported experiencing abuse of power by other physicians in the past twelve months. Additionally, 13 percent reported sexual harassment.
According to the Marburger Bund, this represents the largest nationwide survey of its kind to date. In February and March, 9,073 employed physicians participated, 90 percent of whom work in hospitals. Sixty-nine percent of participants were female, and 53 percent were 40 years old or younger.
The most common form of abuse of power manifests as a disrespectful and condescending tone. The second most frequently reported issue was unjustified questioning of professional competence, followed by bullying or public humiliation.
The abuse of power comes "predominantly" from male physician superiors, according to the statement. Three-quarters of those affected did not report it because they expected no effective consequences, feared professional disadvantages, or saw no confidential reporting channel.
"Hospitals must address these structural problems, develop clear mission statements, establish binding guidelines, and consistently sanction boundary violations," demanded Susanne Johna, the first chairwoman of the Marburger Bund.
Sexual harassment is also very rarely reported, at only 16 percent. Trust in consequences is low. Three-quarters of those affected by sexual harassment indicated that they had experienced such harassment multiple times in the past twelve months. The most frequently cited forms were sexually charged comments or degrading remarks, as well as unwanted conversations with sexual content. Many also reported unwanted physical proximity.
Sexual harassment of medical staff occurs "frequently in the context of existing power dynamics, in which boundary violations are facilitated and resistance is made more difficult," according to the statement.
The Marburger Bund sees an urgent need for action. "Works councils, complaint offices, and management must work closely together when boundary violations occur and act preventively," stated the second chairman Andreas Botzlar. "It cannot be that sexual harassment goes without consequences or even leads to victims being advised to resign."
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