Hierarchy, high‐end competitions, self‐sacrifice that start from medical school and
continue throughout the entire medical career and traditional teaching methods have
led the way for bullying in Medicine (Figure 1). However, in this particular case,
the victims are not weak persons, but promising and skilful achievers. Academic recognition
is difficult to obtain; therefore, some might opt for shortcuts such as mistreating
their co‐workers. Even more so, indoctrinating doctors‐in‐training into an old and
abusive teaching system was until recently ‘the hidden curriculum’ in medical education.
1
,
2
Raising awareness on this hot topic has been a constant and difficult fight within
the last decade. ‘Imposter’ syndrome or impostorism is frequently encountered amongst
medical students and fellows‐in‐training, representing the fear of asking questions
or asking for help since it would imply being ‘incompetent’. Therefore, impostorism
would be defined as self‐doubt about ones' abilities and accomplishments, insecurity
and fears of being considered a fraud. The competitive medical world and the presence
of ‘bullies’ feeds this psychological occurrence.
3
Using Internet, information and communication technologies for bullying purposes represents
cyberbullying. Thus, the anonymity of the perpetrator using cyberbullying and the
impossibility to remove or avoid cyberspace content makes it more damaging for victims.
4
FIGURE 1
Timeline on reporting bullying in medicine.
1
,
2
,
3
AAMC, Association of American Medical Colleges; ACEM, Australian College for Emergency
Medicine; BMA, British Medical Association; JAMA, Journal of the American Medical
Association; US, United States.
HOW TO DEFINE CAREER BEASTS (BULLIES)?
Can we define bullying or is it different through each one's perspective? It can portray
different forms starting from verbal abuse to perseverant inexplicable criticism,
exaggerated sarcasm, persistent ignoring, isolating or belittling and public humiliation.
Differentiating bullying from constructive criticism might sometimes be difficult,
though necessary.
5
By inhibiting collegiality and cooperation, bullying in medicine will disrupt an entire
team, affecting its ability to thrive and evolve (Figure 2). Studies have shown that
abuse in a team can be harmful even for bystanders since they would be more likely
to avoid the conflicts and take time off.
FIGURE 2
What fuels people to become bullies or career beasts in medicine?
5
Different names can be assigned: career beasts, bullies, perpetrators. However, all
have something in common: taking advantage of their position to abuse, intimidate,
dominate, coerce colleagues who, although not weak human beings, they as are passive
and usually with low self‐esteem. Perpetrators have the intent to humiliate and harm
others and steps should be taken within a community to prevent them from gaining power.
Continuous feedback, complex debates and brainstorming, constant peer reviewing including
performance reviews are three pillars that form a good work environment. Developing
a culture of compassion, collegiality and constant support should be taught from the
start of the medical career. Since bullying is a learnt behaviour, surrounding oneself
with honest and positive people is a first step in preventing a toxic workplace. By
developing a good work environment one can contribute even as a bystander to a better
and more productive team. Some perpetrators were victims at one point and getting
in a position of power gives them the opportunity to abuse colleagues who are lower
in the hierarchy. Abusive behaviour cannot be a defence mechanism because it will
not protect one from being bullied and will enhance negative attitudes in a working
environment. Growing both professionally and personally is essential since insecurity
or jealousy can create perpetrators. Aiming to be a better professional would only
attract opportunities and taking the way to the top does not imply a rite of passage
to bullying, but also contributing to an understanding, forgiving and stress‐free
environment.
TEN STEPS ON HOW TO SAFELY CONFRONT CAREER BEASTS
Being a good doctor also means to keep on improving in different ways: be open to
new ideas and experiments, stay curious, and communicate to other professionals who
have already achieved success in an area of interest. Be enthusiastically sceptical
and find better or more efficient ways to do tasks.
Learn from own results, good or bad. Failure is not a taboo subject, and many times
it may help people advance. Becoming a master of self‐correction will be an asset
in one's portfolio.
Learn to be a team member and a leader because it is better to be prepared if the
opportunity presents itself. Studies show that successful climbers are socially warm
and accessible. Building communities of expertise is essential because experts in
a certain field can evolve faster as a group and many new opportunities might arise
afterwards.
Acknowledge personal value and value as a doctor by building confidence and knowledge.
Stay relevant by sharing your expertise and bear in mind that being updated might
help in nurturing innovation and increasing creativity
Be prepared to reinvent yourself, create new paradigms and take risks. Do not be afraid
to change your field of interest.
Be a listener and respect the workplace team. Open talks and brainstorming is not
always about having the same opinion. Diversity and difference of opinion are a part
of any functional team. Moreover, having more viewpoints would in return help you
gain more perspective.
Respect your path and how you got there. One's evolution is paved with effort, dedication
and influence by mentors. Appreciating mentoring and paying it forward is the only
way a medical system can evolve.
Have an entrepreneurial mind‐set by attracting opportunities and landing them.
Be vocal about your needs and speak out for yourself. Do not be afraid or ashamed
to avoid misdemeanours and harassment but find a safe channel to present your complaint
and ask for conclusions. One should not fear retribution in their field of work. Learning
how to solve conflict should be part of the medical curriculum but also part of a
person's education.
Do not let medicine ‘consume’ your identity. Find time to evolve both personally and
professionally. This will help you be more efficient without feeling a burden and
without risking burn‐out.
3
FIGURING OUT A TOXIC WORK ENVIRONMENT
When the work, the people, and the environment cause difficulties in life, a workplace
is referred to as toxic. These disruptions can adversely affect physical health, resulting
in sleepless nights, constant vigilant feel, sweaty palms, and a racing heart. When
personal battles harm one's productivity, workplace toxicity is identified. There
are multiple indicators and alarming signs that help identify such environment as
early as possible.
Chronic Stress
If one starts to feel continuously stressed and wakes up in the morning forcing him/herself
to go to work, this is one of the earliest signs.
You're‐Overworked
Usually, when employees work in a hostile workplace, they are often overloaded with
job responsibilities and no proper work life balance.
Being Bullied
In general, bullying is one of the commonest reflection of a toxic work environment.
However, in medical field, there are some specific areas where bullying appears as
discrimination. Many reports exist regarding females in surgical specialities being
judged and bullied for maternity leaves and not offered equality in leadership. In
addition, they are being questioned for their competencies and doubting their potentials.
Immigrant doctors in many countries experience overwhelming tension during speciality
training and battle for equal chances for proper training.
6
Reports point toward men in academic medicine as promoters of bullying and hostile
environments.
7
,
8
Office Gossips (SNITCH)
If such kind of conversation is often heard at the workplace, then this is a sign
of toxic culture. Gossips mean lack of clarity and this will ensure future trust problem
and will pave the way for problematic intermediary to dominate and play the favouritism
game.
Rapid employee turn over
If the place you are going to work can't retain competent employees, this is clearly
a red flag.
Being unappreciated or underestimated
Appreciation is one of the core values of healthy work environment. If it is not there,
this will lead to overworking, pushing people toward poor work life balance to please
their employer.
Favouritism
Equality is one of the pillars of healthy work environment. If certain group gets
all the credit and the praise, this is an early indicator of toxic work environment.
Poor communication
Communication is important to maintain clarity and avoid gossips and trust issues.
Poor communication with peers and seniors usually indicates that no one in the workplace
cares about the work environment or colleagues. This will lead to gossips and pave
the way for career beasts to manipulate junior colleagues.
Manipulation and blame games
Healthy work culture is clearly shown during problem solving. If the manager or lead
person starts to focus on blaming employees instead of providing solutions and adopting
name and shame style, this is a hostile environment.
Continuous fights and arguments
This is the last sign and point of no return where it is clearly proven that this
work culture is toxic and will not lead to any progress neither for the person involved
nor the place itself.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.