Citation

One A. Narrat. Inq. Bioeth. 2019; 9(3): 189-192.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Johns Hopkins University Press)

DOI

10.1353/nib.2019.0065

PMID

31956115

Abstract

I was sexually assaulted by a senior anesthesiologist in the preoperative holding area at the start of a long OR day in the presence of staff, learners, my patient and her family. I had no intention of reporting the assault. I know how the world works: nobody would ever believe me. However, a close friend—who had also been sexually assaulted at work by a colleague—encouraged me. With his assault successfully managed through the termination of the offender, he asked if he could come forward on my behalf. I agreed, feeling supported yet hesitant.

A meeting was called, comprising Medical Staff Office members, Human Resources and my department chair. "We have learned about a situation in which you were involved. We need you to tell us what happened." Everyone stared at me, eagerly awaiting my response. I described my experience in painful detail, layering information to validate my story: location, people, times, situation, dialogue. Once I finished, the questions flew through the air like a spray of bullets ...

Language: en