From Hope to Hardship: Understanding the Impact of Hierarchies and Violence in Medicine

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2024.2679

Keywords:

Medical Students, Medical Education, Workplace Violence, Hierarchies, Health Personnel, Medical Hierarchies, Burnout, Psychological Safety, Mistreatment in Medicine, Systemic Change, Bullying and Harassment, Trainee Well-being, Medical Education Culture, Leadership and Advocacy

Abstract

This article is an experience piece reflecting on my journey through medical school rotations, highlighting the pervasive nature of workplace violence (WPV) and its impact on students' motivation and mental health. I discuss the high incidence of mistreatment and its correlation with burnout, imposter syndrome, and decreased academic performance among trainees. I emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing subtle forms of WPV, including microaggressions and systemic issues, and advocate for proactive measures such as education, training, and fostering cultural change within healthcare institutions. Through reflecting on my experiences and observations, I aim to inspire systemic change and empower individuals to contribute to a healthier, more empathetic medical culture.

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References

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This diagram illustrates factors contributing to workplace violence and its effects. At the top, three contributing factors are shown: Organizational Factors, Interpersonal Factors, and Educational Factors, which all lead to a central box labeled Workplace Violence. Two arrows point downward from workplace violence, showing its outcomes divided into two categories: Individual Effects and Organizational Effects. The design uses distinct color blocks and directional arrows to emphasize the flow from contributing factors to the consequences of workplace violence.

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Published

2024-11-19 — Updated on 2024-12-17

How to Cite

Cors Cepeda, X. (2024). From Hope to Hardship: Understanding the Impact of Hierarchies and Violence in Medicine. International Journal of Medical Students, 12(4), 485–488. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2024.2679

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 4 (2024)

Section

Experience

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Copyright (c) 2024 Ximena Cors Cepeda

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