Public humiliation now the norm, claim junior doctors

PETALING JAYA: Bullying and sometimes public humiliation has become a “norm” in the medical profession, say junior doctors.

Speaking to The Star on condition of anonymity, these doctors said it was common for seniors to subject them to the “same treatment” they had to go through during their days as junior doctors.

A 30-year-old medical officer based in Kuala Lumpur said he was reprimanded in front of patients several times.

“I still remember being called ‘bodoh’ (stupid) and useless by my senior in front of patients when I was nervous while providing advice to the patient. My senior then went on to berate me for not being confident enough and not knowing the work,” the doctor said.

ALSO READ: Sunsets are not end of a day for doctors

“This continued for a while and sometimes humiliating words were used. This was additional stress on top of the already stressful workload.”

Contrary to notions that doctors from the so-called “strawberry generation” were unable to take criticism, he said junior doctors were able to accept constructive criticism when it was relayed in the right way.

“On top of that, sometimes we earn the wrath of patients as well. They are unhappy that they have to wait for service,” he said.

Another doctor from Negri Sembilan said house officers were often reprimanded for the smallest mistakes and threatened with getting low marks.

Meanwhile, another doctor in Johor, recounted being scolded with vulgar words and a senior making personal comments about the person’s background in front of patients.

“I felt like I was stripped off my dignity in front of my patients,” the doctor said.

ALSO READ: ‘Revamp working culture in public health facilities’

“On top of that sometimes we are required to come back to work on our off days which are not accounted for. We are told that this is how one toughens up.”

Meanwhile, another doctor said a senior once made sexist remarks as she was about to leave after her shift ended.

“My senior asked if I was rushing home to make babies. I did not know how to react and ended up staying back longer,” the 31-year-old doctor said.

Another doctor who wants to be known as Dr Nora said sometimes junior doctors were subjected to tasks which are beyond their job scope.

ALSO READ: Healthcare sector in dire straits

She said sometimes house officers also run up and down sending patients for scans, sending blood samples and others.

Dr Nora said there must be more transparency with the handling of complaints.

She said junior doctors feared complaining as their seniors would hold that against them and the person handling the complaints might be aligned to the perpetrator.

“Most of the times no action are taken. But junior doctors are scared that they will be subjected to further mistreatment if they complain,” she said.