Last week, I went to Manhattan and walked up four flights of stairs to a busy obstetrician-gynecologist’s office. my legs pulled – who Wants To get a Pap smear? – But I dutifully signed in, filled the forms and headed towards the exam room.
A few minutes later, the door opened, and a physician assistant introduced herself. I expected her to ask me to lie down so we could get to work, but instead, she asked me softly, “Would you like to start with a breast exam or a pelvic exam?” Pleasantly surprised to find options, I went for a breast exam. As I held each arm above my head, she explained that she was checking for lumps or skin abnormalities and advised me how to do the same at home in the shower. Next, we moved on to the pelvic exam. “First, I’ll insert two gloved fingers into your vagina and then press from the outside. I’m feeling the size and shape of your uterus and ovaries…” During the exam, she explained her every move, how things might feel, what she was looking for, and what she was noticing.
Frankly, I was surprised. During the examination I realized that this was the first time this had happened to a gynecologist In right terms He took me step by step through what was happening. And I’m 47 and have two kids! Of course, I’ve always trusted my doctors and nurses, but during every annual gynecological appointment, I would just “lie down and think about England,” as the saying goes, while fingers and speculums were inserted inside me and a fluorescent ceiling light shone into my eyes. This was the first time an appointment had unfolded with such warmth and direct communication. Lying unprotected in my blue cotton robe and nothing else, with my legs spread, I felt deeply respected and completely safe.
So, thank you to the amazing physical assistant who takes care to treat each patient as a whole person, during their busy day in downtown Manhattan. I’m especially happy for all the teenage girls and young women she will meet over the years. What a beautiful example she is giving them of how people can and should treat you and your body. xoxo
Similarly, this made me laugh: “I have a friend who is an OB nurse practitioner,” Katie commented big salad. “He just got a vanity plate that says Scooter, and it’s hilarious.”
Idea? Do you have love notes for people who have cared about you? Do any readers have a career in the medical field?
PS 11 Important Questions for Obstetricians-Gynecologists, Five Ways to Teach Kids About Consent, and Why I Regularly Talk to My Sons About Menstruation.
(Top photo by Sergei Melnikov/Stocksy.)
