We Asked Our SFMMS Physician Members about Workplace Violence. Here's What They Told Us. March 2, 2026 Physician Resource, Physician Wellness, SFMMS 0 Violence in the workplace is an issue that affects not only the safety and well-being of physicians and staff but also the quality of care delivered to patients. Although not a new issue, recent incidents of violence against medical professionals have underscored the need to assess and address risks experienced by physicians in San Francisco and Marin. In January and February of 2026 SFMMS developed and distributed a confidential survey to better understand the challenges faced by our physician members in their practice settings and help identify trends. The results of the SFMMS Workplace Violence Survey reveal a troubling yet nuanced picture of safety concerns among physicians and care teams across a range of practice environments. Respondents represented a wide distribution of practice types, with the largest proportions coming from small/solo practices (24%) and large multispecialty groups (24%). Academic and hospital-based physicians each made up about 14% of responses, while the remaining participants were distributed among medium-sized practices, government-employed physicians, and community health centers. More than half of respondents (52%) reported having encountered some form of workplace violence. This figure underscores the persistent and widespread nature of the problem across clinical settings. Among those who did experience violence, the most frequently cited forms included verbal abuse and hate speech, threats of physical harm, and, in multiple cases, actual physical violence. Many respondents emphasized that verbal abuse has become normalized in certain specialties, particularly psychiatry and frontline clinical services. Despite the high incidence of workplace violence, the majority of respondents—71%—reported that they “usually” feel safe at work. Only 19% reported feeling safe merely “sometimes,” and roughly 5% indicated they “always” feel safe. These results may suggest a tension between clinicians’ overall sense of safety and their lived experiences of violence or threats, or the normalization of threats of violence in the workplace. In narrative responses, some physicians explained that feeling “usually safe” was often contingent on factors such as the presence of security personnel, clear protocols, or practice in lower-risk settings. When asked whether their exposure to violence had changed over the past year, many reported worsening conditions. While responses varied, clinicians in hospital-based, emergency-adjacent, and community settings were more likely to describe an increase in both frequency and severity of incidents. Several respondents highlighted external factors—rising community violence, heightened patient frustration linked to system constraints, and the erosion of trust in the medical profession—as contributors. Practices and procedures related to the reporting of violence emerged as another challenge. Many respondents who experienced violence did not report the incidents. Common reasons included believing “nothing would be done,” uncertainty about reporting procedures, or fear of retaliation or inaction. Even among those who did report incidents, some described responses from leadership or administration as inadequate or dismissive. When evaluating their workplace’s preventive efforts, respondents were divided. While some acknowledged the existence of training, protocols, or security measures, many felt that their organizations were not doing enough. Recommendations included adding metal detectors, restricting and monitoring building entry points, increasing security presence, strengthening zero-tolerance policies, and improving administrative follow‑through. Several physicians emphasized that the targets of workplace violence disproportionately include women and people of color, highlighting an equity dimension to the issue. Overall, the survey paints a picture of a profession under strain, where workplace violence is far from rare, and where safety—while often felt—is not guaranteed. Respondents expressed a desire for stronger systems, clearer consequences for abusive behavior, and more consistent institutional support. As SFMMS and our physician leaders advocate for stronger protections and develop resources that support a safe and respectful workplace for all healthcare professionals, please know that SFMMS and CMA is there for our physician members. If you need support, consider using the California Medical Association’s Physicians’ Confidential Line: (213) 383-2691. Comments are closed.
