It took brave hearts to expose problem

I AM aghast although not totally surprised at the various media reports on harassment, bullying and treatment of interns in public hospitals. The truth of the matter is it has been there since time immemorial and it took some brave hearts to expose it despite the fear of repercussions after life as a houseman had become intolerable and unbearable for some.

Having worked for about 40 years in the medical profession, I feel quite qualified to pen my thoughts on this serious matter. Bullying in hospitals can take one of three main forms – mental, physical and sexual. The first is the commonest whereby you are expected, usually by a senior medical officer, to memorise each and every case under your care, including the results of every investigation conducted.

Physical bullying is rare but it does occur. In these cases, doctors expect each intern to perform at an exceptionally high level and will not accept anything less. Victims of physical bullying are so conditioned with fear that a pull on their necktie or a hand on their shoulders is enough to scare the living daylights out of them.

There are also three types of personalities in the medical profession – the good, the bad and the ugly. The good doctors, and there are many of them, have the patience to listen and correct your mistakes and guide you through your housemanship. I was fortunate to have a few of them when I was a houseman in the 70s. They taught me well and I thank them for being a part of my life.

Then you have the bad, namely those who make your housemanship a living hell.

The ugly are the tormentors and predators who terrorise you to the point of submission.

It is heartening to note that the Health Ministry is finally getting involved. It is long overdue.

The problematic senior doctors have always been there and behaved as though they are God’s gift to mankind. There are loads of good-natured and thorough professionals out there but it only takes one bad apple to spoil the whole basket.

So, to all the interns out there, take heart that others have gone through this gruelling period and come out stronger in both knowledge and personality. Take in the positives and chuck out the rest.