Press Releases
Texas A&M leader co-authors commentary in The Lancet on inequity and harassment in health care
(BRYAN, Texas) — Health care institutions must commit to eliminating sexual harassment in medicine, science and health care. Four American leaders in the field voiced their support of a gender equity #TimesUp movement through a letter published today by The Lancet.
Sexual harassment is an enduring problem in scientific fields, and especially in medicine. Examples of abusive and discriminatory treatment continue to emerge. Reports have shed light on sexual harassment and assault of trainees doing scientific fieldwork, manipulation of entrance examination scores to limit the number of women at a Japanese medical school and the unremitting gender pay gap in medicine and science in North America.
“In the past year, we’ve realized medicine is one of the worst among the sciences,” said lead author Esther Choo, MD, MPH, associate professor of emergency medicine in the Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine in Portland, Oregon. “And we have a particular shame and obligation to fix it.”
The potential impact of moving from #MeToo to #TimesUp in medicine and science is no less important than for entertainment and media, the authors write.
“As an educator, I feel an obligation to address the hidden curriculum,” said Carrie L. Byington ’85, MD, vice chancellor for health services at The Texas A&M University System, senior vice president of the Texas A&M Health Science Center and dean of the Texas A&M College of Medicine. “We owe it to our students to end the culture of tolerance that perpetuates gender inequity and harassment. The #TimesUp movement can create an environment that values accountability, where each person has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute their knowledge and skills to improving health.”
Choo and Byington were joined by Niva Lubin-Johnson, MD, FACP, senior attending physician with Mercy Hospital and Medical Center at the University of Illinois, and Reshma Jagsi, MD, DPhil, director of the Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine at the University of Michigan.
Aside from the fact that health care represents one of the largest sectors of employment in the world, Choo said that providing safe and productive workplaces for women is essential in providing high-quality care to patients.
The commentary is part of a special issue of The Lancet on focused on advancing women in science, medicine and global health.
RELATED NEWS
Social Posts
The Texas Center for Learning Disabilities receives a $10M gift, the UH System launches a temporary public art program, and students designed a sustainable car for the Houston Art Car Parade — here are your 60-second highlights of what's happening at UH #UHMoment https://t.co/M2u67xZmU6
James T. Willerson Seminar Thursday at 4PM – Lilei Zhang, MD, PhD, @bcmhouston “Circadian regulation of cardiac remodeling” https://t.co/KeMNNxpEhT https://t.co/zLM5GQEFuH
Does your son or daughter wants to start a weight training program? We're discussing weight training in kids and adolescents: https://t.co/xf2EyIRDeK #texaschildrens
The warm weather and bright sun. There really is nothing like springtime in Texas, but humans aren't the only animals drawn to the warmer temperatures. Dr. Spencer Greene shares his tips on what you should do if you are bitten or stung. https://t.co/dEqYbQfwGS #tips
RT @McGovernMed: Register now for the Pediatric Neuroscience Symposium at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital on Saturday, May 4! #McGover…
Our love for #GreaterHouston is at the heart of everything we do. In our mission to create healthier communities, we’re sharing our favorite places to inspire health and happiness in our neighbors: https://t.co/oegrvNAWh9 #WeHeartHouston https://t.co/lO6veLnoku
The mystery of ‘mylk’ drove this Rice alumna coco-nuts! Luckily, a group of freshmen helped this entrepreneur find the right mix for shelf-stable vegan coconut milk. https://t.co/cYPiZxKVqT https://t.co/uIvYfwFJYA
RT @BCMCancerCenter: Did you know you can still sign up for tomorrow's Lunch and Learn with Dr. Andrew Sikora hosted by @TheWomensFund? Be…
In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, Dr. Ruth Ann Luna shares the side of autism you don't see often: https://t.co/UuGS12BGqJ #texaschildrens
Going through menopause can be a bit like traveling in a new city without a map—or even a clear destination. In fact, you may not even realize you’re there until you’ve passed it. Here's how to better cope with this midlife milestone. https://t.co/6s25Aji4oe https://t.co/YUNpLFz3hh
.@VANatCemeteries Veteran sees duty at 35 locations https://t.co/aFx133klvV #VAntagePoint
Let’s bring to light some surprising habits that could be damaging your skin: https://t.co/7VXEaHA9CT. https://t.co/dioqIgDfHD
Vitiligo, Alopecia Merely Cosmetic? Think Again https://t.co/IrsX5jsoMq
You don’t need any equipment to do #strengthtraining. Here are our tips for an at-home workout: https://t.co/B6LU00kIH9 @FocusedonHealth #endcancer https://t.co/fjCJ2TuPz5
Running and enjoying treats in moderation are just some of the ways Dr. Christina Weng stays fit. See more of her healthy habits: https://t.co/ttuEhmpRmU #healthy #habits https://t.co/NNehV0jfJD