Kemi Doll, MD, MSCR

Invited discussant Kemi Doll, MD, MSCR, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington, Seattle, commented on the results of the survey on workplace bullying and harassment reported by Dr. Temkin. Dr. Doll is also Project Lead of the Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African-Americans.

The survey population was “fairly homogeneous,” she said, and therefore, “it may be worthwhile to note that the respondents might be better characterized as ‘White, young mothers of gynecologic oncology,’ which, to be fair, represents a significant portion of the field.”

“The initial results around leadership and belonging appear very positive,” she observed. “Nearly half of the respondents reported to a woman leader, and, most importantly, two-thirds reported feeling supported in their departmental environment and that their suggestions were heard…. If the survey were of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and they reported the same numbers regarding leadership and belonging, we would likely celebrate and may even think our work here is done. I ask, ‘Is this good enough?’”

“Among this group [surveyed] with high levels of belonging, nearly half experienced bullying, and 83% experienced microaggressions. Most striking about these data is that, for the vast majority, these instances were committed by colleagues with authority and power,” Dr. Doll noted. “With regard to bullying, half those colleagues were female; with regard to discrimination, a full quarter were female. That’s not good enough because representation is the preamble…. Representation is the bare minimum.”

“It’s a tough hurdle,” she commented. “We have to dismantle the internalized misogyny and too-low expectations of basic professional respect that we have been socialized into—and that is foundation-shaking work.”

DISCLOSURE: Dr. Doll reported no conflicts of interest.