Agreement: I AgreeBody: Dear Editor Elisabeth Mahase rightly underscores how humiliation corrodes confidence, teamwork, and care. From my own experience as a senior clinician and academic leader, even those at the top are not immune. This is not about one employer or one country; it is about elements of medical culture where steep hierarchies and gendered power dynamics normalise “banter” that belittles. In such climates, integrity can be misread as non-conformity and competence as threat. The toll is wider than personal distress. Talented colleagues withdraw, self-censor, or leave. That silence weakens learning cultures and, ultimately, patient care. Resilience matters—many of us have acquired it the hard way—but it must not be the default remedy. The obligation lies with institutions and professional communities to make dignity non-negotiable. What works is feasible and well known: (1) clear, visible standards that spell out unacceptable conduct, including “jokes” at a colleague’s expense; (2) psychological safety, with leaders who invite questions across hierarchies and protect speaking up; (3) confidential, fair redressal pathways with protection from retaliation and timely feedback; and (4) brief, scenario-based practice in feedback, bystander action (the 4Ds), and de-escalation for all grades. Medicine is at its best when technical excellence is paired with humane conduct. We owe our teams—and our patients—nothing less. No competing Interests: YesThe following competing Interests: Electronic Publication Date: Monday, September 29, 2025 - 17:32AI use: Yes I have used AIAI use details: only to improve language and grammar of my original textHighwire Comment Subject: My colleague humiliated me—what should I do?Workflow State: ReleasedFull Title: Humiliation at Work: A Challenge for Medical Culture Highwire Comment Response to: My colleague humiliated me—what should I do?Check this box if you would like your letter to appear anonymously:: Last Name: mariaFirst name and middle initial: artiEmail: artimaria@gmail.comAddress: New DelhiOccupation: DoctorAffiliation: ABVIMS & Dr RML HospitalBMJ: Additional Article Info: Rapid response