Wednesday, February 26 is Pink Shirt Day, also known as Anti-Bullying Day. This grassroots action began in Nova Scotia in 2007 when two students distributed 50 pink shirts to classmates to show support for a student who was bullied for wearing one. This act of kindness and solidarity has since created a global movement that raises awareness of bullying in schools, online, at home, and at work.
Doctors and workplace bullying
A 2021 survey from the Canadian Medical Association found that eight in 10 physicians have experienced intimidation, bullying, harassment and/or microaggressions in the workplace at some point in their careers. And according to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, more than three-quarters of medical students and residents have experienced some form of bullying on the job.
In British Columbia, Doctors of BC’s biennial Health Authority Engagement Survey has shown that physicians feel unsafe at work. The most recent results from 2023 show that 49% of respondents have been involved in or impacted by a physical or psychological safety incident in the workplace.
Protecting physician health and safety
In medicine, bullying and harassment can have a broad rippling effect that leads to negative consequences such as physician burnout, moral distress, and exhaustion. Doctors of BC is committed to promoting physician health, wellness, and safety as part of our Strategic Plan and we are working hard to foster safer working environments for doctors throughout BC.
To date, we have taken significant action to support doctors facing physical and psychological safety concerns through our Physician Health and Safety Agreement. This includes establishing the new Community Physician Health and Safety program with SWITCH BC which provides tools and resources to help doctors improve their workplace’s psychological and physical health and safety, including resources on bullying and harassment.
“We must strive for healthy and safe working environments and conditions for all BC physicians and health care providers. By advocating for psychologically and physically supportive work environments for doctors, we can provide safer patient care throughout the province.” – Dr Charlene Lui, Doctors of BC President.
Physicians who encounter a physical or psychological health and safety issue, or who have been involved or impacted by a past event, are encouraged to connect with their local Regional Advisor and Advocate. Additionally, if you are experiencing bullying or harassment or you are worried about a colleague who is being affected, you can also reach out to the Physician Health Program (PHP) – they can provide confidential help and support to anyone feeling unsafe.
