This episode marks the first of a four-part series on the theme of culture change, developed in collaboration with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Presented by Rhea Liang, general and breast surgeon in Gold Coast, Australia and Simon Fleming, orthopaedic trainee in London, the series aims to bring conversations surrounding bullying, harassment and discrimination in the surgical workplace to the forefront of professional discourse, in hopes of encouraging long-term changes in attitudes and behaviours at all levels.
Episode one considers the question 'why do we need culture change in surgery?' with a particular interest in examining the effects of uncivil behaviours on patient outcomes. Following this podcast, the listener should be able to evaluate, in terms of both patient care and professional wellbeing, the impact of discrimination, bullying and harassment, with a view towards better assessing the state of professional culture in their own working environments.
Views expressed in this podcast are the speakers' own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal College of Surgeons or the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
For more information about the learning and courses that RCS England offers please visit https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/courses/ or https://vle.rcseng.ac.uk/ for the RCS England Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
RCS England recognises the pressures being placed on healthcare professionals at the moment and we are critically aware of the potential impact this may have on mental health and wellbeing. Therefore, we have expanded our Confidential Support and Advice Service (CSAS) through a helpline partnership with Health Assured. Members of RCS England can access this support service free of charge, 24/7. If you are experiencing problems in your work or personal life and would like to seek confidential support and advice from a trained counsellor please call the helpline on 020 7869 6221 or visit https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/careers-in-surgery/csas/ for more information.