Editor’s Note: A cautionary tale for those early in their careers.
I began my career as an allied health professional. I aspired for more professional challenge and became an orthopedic surgeon. I completed a fellowship in a specialty area with few females at that time. My career has been entirely focused within that specialty. I continue to love what I do.
Taking the Hippocratic Oath had special significance for me and has become my mantra. Not only do I believe in doing no harm to patients, I also believe in protecting those around me including support staff and trainees.
During my career, I have witnessed ethical missteps, dishonesty and violations of decorum. As encouraged, I have reported these incidents to higher authorities. These events included sexual misconduct and other offenses which could be considered criminal. Unfortunately, the perpetrators were male orthopedic surgeons. As a result, I have been labeled and my career has been adversely affected. It has even been implied that I am somehow responsible for the firing of a high-profile member of the profession. There are a few individuals who have “black balled” my hopes for advancement and consideration for deserved accolades and leadership positions. My reputation as a skillful surgeon has been impugned.
I have never had a “sponsor”. My career has progressed primarily due to my own efforts. I have a few individuals to whom I can speak about this but not many. Even some of the women in orthopedics and my subspecialty are unapproachable. I fear I may never achieve the career goals I have set for myself. It is possible that I may have been “too aggressive” during my pursuit of excellence. Coming from a “blue collar” training program, I have always felt like I had to prove myself.
Over the years as an educator and surgeon, I have come to understand some things. It may not be necessary to speak up about every infraction I become aware of. For doing so, I have paid a mighty price and I now understand this.
I believe I can defend each of my “transgressions.” The question is, can some of the controversy I have been part of be forgiven? It is in the past and we all have grown. There are individuals who still actively campaign against me and spread falsehoods. I have an “angry woman” label. I am an easy target as I don’t have a strong professional support system and I don’t work for a large or influential institution. Thankfully, my family provides me with the satisfaction and acceptance I need.
How does one shed a label? I do a lot of service work on a volunteer basis. I have created committees to support those early in their careers. I try to sponsor and promote others. In other words, I try to give back.
My advice to the readers is to consider, again, those you have passed judgement upon. Give them a fresh look and try to see who they are today. If their present-day work and actions are honorable, try to give credit and forgiveness. Surely, we are all able to evolve and to grow.
To the profession I ask, is there a way to rehabilitate a reputation? There are executive leadership coaches, is there a place where those caught up in controversy can receive reputation management and coaching? If it can be proven that an individual is on a vendetta against one of us, can an intervention be made? Maybe orthopedic surgery, as a profession, can lead the way in spearheading an effort of this sort. To accomplish the task, we will need leaders with a sense of fairness and courage. If implemented, the profession can become stronger, more just, and more cohesive. Perhaps, attention to this issue can help improve the culture and diversity of our profession.