University of Calgary: The Libin Institute and Department of Cardiac Sciences implement new anti-harassment and discrimination programs
Enhanced supports and education to protect physicians and staff at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and Department of Cardiac Sciences, a joint initiative between the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) and Alberta Health Services (AHS), from harassment and discrimination have been developed thanks to a study led by Dr. Michelle Keir, MD, and Dr. Shannon Ruzycki, MD.
“We listened to women’s experiences that have occurred throughout their career in cardiology at various institutions in Canada. We learned that a lot of women have suffered in silence. Some of their comments will be shocking to many and have outlined that we need to rethink how to interact with each other.”
Dr. Michelle Keir, MD, a clinician-researcher and principal investigator
Study participants described incidents of harassment and discrimination in their career throughout Canada, and though not all participants agreed that harassment or discrimination was common in cardiology, all provided examples of gender-based discrimination.
Findings in the study have resulted in new training programs and system changes including bias training sessions which have been incorporated into the hiring practise. As well, all people on a hiring selection committee must have completed training related to diversity and inclusion. In addition, sessions led by Well Doc Alberta and the Physician Wellness, Diversity and Development Portfolio have been held to support those who may be dealing with trauma and/or wellness concerns. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta is also hosting sessions on professional misconduct. AHS is developing new processes for physicians to safely report issues related to harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
“We found that incidents of harassment and discrimination are wide-spread and are not unique to one institution. Many women would minimize or try to explain away their experiences. For some, it was likely a coping mechanism to normalize the experiences.”
Dr. Shannon Ruzycki, MD, a clinician-researcher and first author
Keir is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) lead at the Libin Institute. After being appointed to the position, leadership at CSM and AHS empowered Keir to conduct research to explore what was happening in the department and to form an EDI committee. Funding for the study was provided by the Libin Institute, the CSM and UCalgary.
“There have been a number of surveys through the years, and papers written indicating a prevalence of harassment and discrimination against women in cardiology,” says Keir. “However, we felt we really needed to explore personal experiences in order to design interventions, create supports, and facilitate empathy, support and allyship among leadership.”
“We are taking this seriously. We are trying to move the needle and address systemic barriers. The work Dr. Keir and Dr. Ruzycki have done will help guide the process to make things better.”
Dr. Paul Fedak, MD, PhD, director of the Libin Institute and head of the Dept. of Cardiac Sciences
Fedak adds CSM and AHS leadership will be working with the EDI committee to define more strategies, which will include the joint funding of an AHS and CSM sex and gender-based violence educator to enhance literacy training in this area for physicians and physician learners. Grounded in community-building and collaborative practices, the Senior Specialist, Gender Violence Education will build anti-violence capacity among learners and educators, provide expert sexual violence education consultation and assessment, and create and deliver sexual violence-focused education and training.
“We are committed to being leaders that are part of reshaping the future and changing the culture,” says Fedak.