One of the surgeries I observed during my first placement as a medical student was a mastectomy. As they were preparing the woman, who was under general anaesthetic, for surgery the all-male team of doctors joked extensively about the size of her breasts. After drawing the area to be removed on the unconscious woman’s skin, the surgeon grabbed a breast in each hand and jiggled them around while making ‘funny’ noises – to the great amusement of all others present. I was horrified – this and similar occurrences totally undermined my trust of the medical profession. I am deeply ashamed that I didn’t report it – I didn’t think that I, a young student, could speak up against a senior consultant. I just hope that someone was brave enough to do so, and he no longer has access to women in their most vulnerable state.
