An image from a controversial presentation by Dr Rakesh Kalra – this is a cropped version of it, and the only picture we could publish. Source: Supplied
DEGRADING and pornographic images of women included as official “educational” material at a high-profile Melbourne surgical conference have raised damning new questions about the culture of the industry.
Days after authorities vowed to examine allegations of endemic sexual harassment and bullying in Victoria’s surgical ranks details have emerged of a shocking presentation featured at an international plastic surgery conference.
The presentation — available to thousands of surgeons and trainees at the 19th Congress of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery staged in Melbourne in 2008 — includes photographs of naked women in pornographic poses and performing sex acts, as well as statements criticising the most personal aspects of their bodies.
The medical conference formed part of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ training program, with attendance contributing to surgical accreditation and development.
The presentation sparked several complaints. Source: Supplied
The presentation from visiting Indian surgeon Dr Rakesh Kalra included an abstract which can still be viewed online among ISAPS’ official program, discussing ways to “give a prepubescent look to an ageing vagina”.
Former Health Services Commissioner Beth Wilson said she received several complaints about the presentation following the event, and fears such actions further entrenched sexism in a new generation of trainees.
“It is indicative of the sexism that pervades some sections of the medical industry,” she said.
“It is not illegal, but it is degrading and, I believe, unethical.”
The presentation has been described as ‘degrading’ and ‘unethical’. Source: Supplied
Another senior female practitioner said attendees were sickened by the material but were too scared of reprisals from senior industry figures to complain.
“Is it any wonder we’ve got issues happening with sexual harassment when trainees are taught using this sort of material?” she said.
“If this was a RACS-approved education event then they need to hang their heads in shame.”
The full content of Dr Kalra’s Vaginal Rejuvenation in Seven Surgical Steps presentation could only be accessed from within the 2008 conference, however the Herald Sun has seen copies saved by outraged attendees.
The presentation used explicit photos of women performing sex acts. Source: Supplied
Images include a woman performing a sex act with a glass of beer, with the caption: “It is being put to a variety of uses.”
Another shows a naked women standing on her head, with the wording: “Today, the vagina is being looked at from all angles.”
And pictures of two naked woman openly criticise one’s appearance, stating that while one vagina is “pleasing” the others is “not so pleasing”.
A following slide shows close up of the womens’ crutch, stating: “Appreciate the difference a little closer.”
The presentation has raised more questions about the industry’s culture. Source: Supplied
ISAPS executive director Catherine Foss refused to comment about the nature of Dr Kalra’s presentation or whether the organisation endorsed it, instead saying it was not presented at a podium or in a meeting room.
“This presentation was only available during the meeting as an e-Paper, which means it was only shown on computers on the upper level of the exhibit hall at the conference centre to those who attended the congress and who chose to select this particular e-Paper for viewing,” Ms Foss said.
The RACS also refused to comment about the appropriateness of the presentation or potential impact on its trainees.
The College, which is charged with training and registering Australia’s surgeons, instead reinforcing that it had established a high-powered Expert Advisory Group to deal with concerns of bullying, harassment and discrimination in the health sector.
The Herald Sun has been unable to contact Dr Kalra.
Originally published as Shock at surgeon’s porn-filled talk