BOA response to the BMA report on sexism and sexual violence towards medical students

The BMA report (published 7th November 2025) on sexism and sexual violence towards medical students at university and on placement makes for disappointing reading and raises important issues. We must all take responsibility to change the culture where we work and study, and support those affected to speak up.

Sexism should have no place in medicine and choice of a surgical career should have no relation to whether a person is male or female. The BOA has been working in this area for some time and actively promotes the increase in percentage of females working in trauma and orthopaedics and to promote positive and supportive working environments for the entire surgical team.

In addition, we have developed resources which are available on our website here on how to address sexual misconduct in the healthcare workforce and advice from female surgeons on a career in T&O surgery and what it means to them.

The link to the BMA report and its recommendations are available on their website here.