I launched an anti-bullying campaign to change culture in healthcare
BMJ 2019; 365 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l2325 (Published 29 May 2019) Cite this as: BMJ 2019;365:l2325- Simon Fleming, trainee orthopaedic surgeon and doctoral candidate
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, UK
- simonsfleming@doctors.org.uk
Follow Simon on Twitter @orthopodreg
I thought that writing a piece about why I decided to launch an anti-bullying campaign would be easy. I thought that I’d say, “I’ve never liked bullies,” which is how I start my keynote speech on this title.
But, when asked to reflect on the real reasons, I can’t just say that I don’t like bullies. Of course, it’s true: I have always hated bullies. It’s also true that I was bullied at school for being—in no particular order—fat, Jewish, smart, not smart enough, confident, and, probably the worst crime, outspoken.
Aside from some minor weight loss, not much has changed. I’ve never been one to sit quietly. In fact, one of the most common criticisms my trainers have made is, “You talk too much.”
Similarly, I’ve never been able to stand by while something isn’t right. I’ve always accepted that, if I’m going to be the guy with the bullseye on his chest, the one who always sticks his head above the …
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