Workplace Harassment and Consideration of Leaving Surgical Practice: A Nationwide Survey by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery.

BACKGROUND

Workplace harassment in surgical settings is a critical issue affecting surgeon well-being, workforce sustainability, and patient safety. However, nationwide data focusing on gastroenterological surgeons remain limited.

OBJECTIVE

To assess prevalence and characteristics of workplace harassment among gastroenterological surgeons in Japan, examine its association with consideration of leaving surgical practice, and evaluate the need for institutional countermeasures by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery (JSGS).

METHODS

A nationwide, cross-sectional, anonymous web-based survey was conducted among JSGS members between November 2024 and January 2025. The questionnaire assessed experiences and observations of five categories of harassment, power, sexual, maternity/paternity, academic, and surgery-related harassment during the preceding 10 years. Associations with consideration of leaving the profession and opinions on JSGS-led countermeasures were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 1967 surgeons (response rate, 13.0%) participated. Overall, 66% reported experiencing at least one type of harassment, and 88% reported witnessing harassment in the workplace. Female surgeons reported higher exposure to all harassment types, particularly sexual harassment (55% vs. 8%) and maternity/paternity harassment (24% vs. 4%). Among those who experienced harassment, 56% reported having considered leaving their profession. More than 70% of respondents expressed the need for institutional countermeasures by the JSGS to address all types of harassment.

CONCLUSION

Workplace harassment is highly prevalent among gastroenterological surgeons in Japan and is associated with consideration of leaving the profession. These findings suggest that harassment represents not only an interpersonal issue but also a structural challenge that may influence the long-term sustainability of the surgical workforce.