Abstract
In this thoughtful article, medical educators in various stages of their careers (resident, mid-career clinician-educators, medical school deans) reflect upon increasing reports of harassment and mistreatment of trainees by patients. In addition to providing a general overview of the limited literature on this topic, the authors describe their own experience collecting information on trainee mistreatment by patients at their institution. They explore the universal difficulty that educators face regarding how to best address this mistreatment and support both faculty and trainees. Given the current sociopolitical climate, there has never been a more urgent need to critically examine this issue. The authors call on the greater medical education community to join them in these important conversations.
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledges Dr. Michael Green for his help.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.
Notes on contributors
Dr. Kali D. Cyrus, MD, MPH, is the Director of Standardized Patient Programs at the Yale School of Medicine.
Dr. Nancy R. Angoff, MD, MPH, MEd, is the Associate Dean of Students at the Yale School of Medicine.
Dr. Jessica L. Illuzzi, MD, MS, is the Director of Electives at the Yale School of Medicine.
Dr. Michael L. Schwartz, PhD, is the Associate Dean for Curriculum at the Yale School of Medicine.
Dr. Kirsten M. Wilkins, MD, is the Director of Clerkships at the Yale School of Medicine.