An Unavoidable Disadvantage

Being a medical student still in the process of becoming a competent contributor to the health care team is a tremendous disadvantage on many occasions. Our work must constantly be checked. We have limited skills to offer. We exist at the tipping point between where we are welcomed or shunned by patients and staff.

For obstetrics and gynaecology, I can add another major disadvantage to the list: having a Y chromosome. Getting a Pap smear, a pelvic exam, or having a baby is stressful enough for many patients; having an inexperienced learner observe or perform a physical, a man no less, is often just too much.

It has been a challenging and frustrating experience to be shut out from learning opportunities at every turn. One of these days I am sure I will find a patient willing to allow me follow her through her labour and delivery. It is just a matter of time.

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  1. imsooappalled reblogged this from thisfuturemd
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  7. anotherseason reblogged this from medicalstate and added:
    congratulations, you now know what it’s like to be a female medical student interested in any field other than OBGYN or...
  8. pendere reblogged this from medicalstate and added:
    Even as a woman, it’s not always necessarily less frustrating. That said, when I was doing it, it always seemed easier...

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