SEA Supporting Statement Regarding ASA/AUA Statement on Sexual Harassment in Academic Medicine
We were astonished by the findings in the AAMC's "State of Women in Academic Medicine 2023-2024" report, that put forward the progress and persistent challenges in gender equity, particularly in our specialty. We commend our national societies who support women leaders in succeeding in their academic trajectory. The AAMC report shows the increase in the percentage of women chairs in academic anesthesiology departments from 13% in 2004 to 18% in 2024. We also recognize the narrowing of the compensation gap with women earning $0.94 for every dollar earned by their male colleagues. However, neither of these accomplishments are sufficient, and we must strive to break the “glass ceiling” and support gender equity at all levels.
The most disturbing finding noted in this report is the persistent presence of gender harassment. The AAMC 2023-24 report details that in the prior 12 months, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men in anesthesiology reported experiencing sexual harassment. This statistic is not a new finding as previous AAMC reports highlighted similar findings across all specialties in academic medicine.
As an organization, the Society for Education in Anesthesia (SEA) unequivocally affirms that harassment in any form has no place in our profession. Fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all is not just a goal—it is a must. We are committed to leading by example and supporting the ASA/AUA in their pursuit to address and eradicate such harassment challenges.
