F= FEELINGS: The first few paragraphs of Mr Thoma’s article1 elicited empathy, the next few triggered a sense of foreboding, and by the second half of the article, I was simmering with anger.
I = IDEAS: I was appalled that a third-year male medical student would think this way then put such words to paper, shocked that Canadian Family Physician would print this demeaning Reflections piece, and hopeful that this student will discover the respect integral to promoting healing in the doctor-patient relationship.
F = FUNCTIONAL IMPACT: I already have to push myself to have a Pap test now that my female family physician has retired. Now I am going to wonder, with slight trepidation, what goes on in the head of my male physician during this examination.
E = EXPECTATIONS: A third-year medical student should know how to express ambivalence thoughtfully, have the skills to begin to develop rapport within 2 minutes, and have an understanding of the “whole person”, so that he knows a middle-aged women in stirrups does not think, “oh, a young buck!” when about to undergo an internal examination!
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Reference
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