Sexual Exploitation: Story from a Doctor From Africa

23 November 2022

When I was still a medical student I went to consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist in my hospital. He was an old man, well known in the medical world. After the first consultation, when I was in the company of another doctor, he offered me another appointment. This time all alone. 

I went there quite early, but he made me wait and let me in when other staff had already left. That day he briefly looked at my throat, but mainly started making sexual advances. He then tried to force me against the wall to kiss me while touching my bottom, saying it was my fault for the way I was dressed. I was in uniform because I was finishing my shift. I was tired and had dark circles under my eyes. It took me a few seconds to react because I was in shock. The man was my grandfather’s age and had the respect of the entire hospital. I could not believe what was happening. Then I felt his erection against me and kicked him hard before trying to get out. The door was locked so I turned to him. He calmly sat behind his desk and before handing me the key, he said, “Remember that I have already succeeded in the medical profession and you are only a student. If you talk, you risk harming yourself.”

Much later, I managed with difficulty to talk about it with some people around me. They refused to believe me and advised me to shut up and move on. I sometimes feel guilty for the short delay in my reaction that day. I wonder if there were other victims or if I’m the only one.