Female Urology Clinicians Report More Harassment - Report - MDSpire
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Female Urology Clinicians Report More Harassment

Nearly half of female clinicians in urology reported experiencing patient-perpetrated sexual harassment or gender discrimination.

  • By

  • Mouj Hijazi

  • June 8, 2026

  • 4 min

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Clinical Report: Female Urology Clinicians Report More Harassment

Overview

A national survey reveals that female urology clinicians report significantly higher rates of patient-perpetrated sexual harassment and gender discrimination compared to their male counterparts.

Background

Sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the medical field are critical issues that can affect clinician well-being and workforce diversity. This study provides insights into the disparities faced by female clinicians in urology.

Data Highlights

StatisticFemale CliniciansMale Clinicians
Reported experiencing harassment/discrimination41.8%6.3%
Practicing urologists reporting harassment/discrimination51.6%6.6%
Overall clinicians reporting harassment/discrimination17.9%-
Witnessed harassment/discrimination29.6%-

Key Findings

  • Female clinicians had 14.16 times the odds of reporting patient-perpetrated harassment compared to male clinicians.
  • 41.8% of female clinicians reported experiencing harassment or discrimination, versus 6.3% of male clinicians.
  • 85.5% of clinicians who experienced harassment reported incidents occurring in clinics.
  • 60.9% of respondents were unaware if patients were notified after a report of harassment.
  • 40.4% of trainees and 78% of advanced practice providers were female, influencing reported rates of harassment.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest a need for urology institutions to establish clear policies and transparent reporting processes regarding patient conduct. Addressing these issues may improve clinician retention and workforce diversity in the specialty.

Conclusion

The study highlights the disparity in experiences of harassment between female and male urology clinicians.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Catherine S. Nam, MD, JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Self-Reported Patient-Perpetrated Sexual Harassment Among the US Urological Workforce
  2. The ASCO Post — An Invitation to Be Quiet No Longer
  3. The ASCO Post — Overcoming Sexism in Academic Medicine
  4. conexiant — Study Finds Gap in Pelvic Exam Practices
  5. National Performance Goals | Joint Commission
  6. Self-Reported Patient-Perpetrated Sexual Harassment Among the US Urological Workforce
  7. Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Workplace Violence Against Nurses by Patients and Visitors: A Systematic Review - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Female Urology Clinicians Report More Harassment

  • by Mouj Hijazi

  • June 8, 2026

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