Response to Media Reports on Sexism in Orthopaedics

We are disappointed to read the results of the survey through ASGBI about experiences and perceptions of sexism and bullying in the T&O workplace affecting women. The BOA has been acting upon these issues for some time, and this work is continuing. We carried out our own separate exercise in 2018 to understand the day-to-day experiences within our specialty, and as the BOA we are seeking to promote positive and supportive working environments and encouraging anyone affected to speak out.

We recognise that culture change can take time. We urge all members to take 2019 as a fresh opportunity to reflect on the culture within the orthopaedic workforce, and for everyone to play their part in eradicating these behaviours where they do persist.

We would like to highlight the following work and resources:

• The BOA has worked proactively, alongside BOTA, on the #Cutitout campaign, and we support the RCS Edinburgh #letsremoveit campaign
• At the BOA Congress in September 2018, BOTA ran a session called ActItOut using real life examples of bullying and undermining to help identify and tackle the issues– you can read more in the JTO from December 2018 (page 50 onwards)
• The 2018 BOA survey was covered in JTO in September 2018 (pages 52-53):
• The RCS Edinburgh has lots more free resources available online

We also highlight that the ASGBI survey also covers other issues affecting women in the surgical workforce, including what could surgery do to attract more women to the profession and what further support may be needed. We welcome this and will take note of their findings in our work on these issues.

Media coverage included:
The Daily Telegraph