An Open Letter about Privacy at the Dermatologist

[P51mustang]

I recently wrote this letter to the large Dermatology practice I go to. It goes into detail about how men feel about how they are currently being treated with regard to their privacy and dignity during medical examinations. I wrote it specifically to dermatologists but it could be easily adapted for any Specialty.

Please feel free to copy and paste any, or all, of it and send it to your doctor's practice. I sent one to each doctor in the practice and the practice manager.

I think this letter should go a long way in helping doctors and staff in understanding the truth about male modesty and how to make small changes in the way they conduct exams thereby make the examinations more dignified.

Name of Dermatology Clinic

ATTN: Dr. XXXXXXXXX

Date XX/XX/XXX

Dear Dr. xxxxxxxxx,

As a concerned patient, I want to make you aware of what men are saying, on multiple blogs, concerning their visits to the dermatologist. The consensus among these men agrees with the experiences I have had regarding my privacy. Although this is not widely appreciated, most men are just as modest as women! Just like women would never tolerate having a male assistant looking on during her pelvic exam, most men find it humiliating to have a female assistant staring at them unnecessarily when they have to expose their genitalia. Men expect to receive the same dignity and privacy afforded women. Unfortunately, many men feel ambushed by a female assistant and most men feel too intimidated and embarrassed to speak-up. They state that it is very demeaning for them to be completely naked while the scribe stares at them. When this happens, they feel violated and many vow to never come back for further exams. Some even report needing therapy for PTSD-like trauma! This disregard for a man’s emotional trauma results in him not following-up on possible life-threatening conditions (i.e. Melanoma) and that likely contributes to the shorter life span of men. Women are tired of losing their fathers, brothers, sons and husbands sooner than they should. This does not mean that male assistants have to be provided. If a female assistant is needed to take down physician’s notes, then she should be TAUGHT TO REPECT THE PATIENT’S DIGNITY BY TURNING AWAY during the genital/perianal portion of the exam. This should occur without the assistant having to be told by the doctor or the patient! The doctor can dictate his findings while she has her back turned. If an assistant is needed to perform a procedure (i.e. Biopsy) then the patient should be covered except for the lesion that needs to be biopsied.

 The comfort of the patient is paramount, so much so, that Congress passed the “Patient’s Bill of Rights”, legally guaranteeing the patient’s Privacy and Dignity.  

 Men are saying that they are fed up with this type of disrespect and invasion of their privacy. They believe that many medical professionals, particularly nurses and assistants, are indifferent to male modesty and routinely dismiss men with bullying and shaming practices, unbeknownst to the physician. “We’ve seen it all!” is of no consolation to the man being exposed unnecessarily. Some are even considering litigation.

 I hope you will be willing to make these minor changes to make it more comfortable for your male patients. I believe most men would greatly  appreciate this consideration.

 Most sincerely,

Current Male Patient

[Hidden]

very well written and thank you

[P51mustang]

I signed the letter as “current patient”, so I will have to just see if they change their policies the next time I go in.

Please feel free to use my letter to send to your doctors office. Hopefully if enough men will let their doctors know about the privacy issues male patients face at most doctors offices, things will change!

Things will definitely not change if we don’t let them know what we are experiencing at their practices!!!

[Norwich1 in reply to P51mustang]

I would certainly never use your letter. Your views are antiquated and, sadly are typical of men. They are similar to those of men that would not even see a male healthcare practitioner because they do not want an intimate examination.or it is not manly to discuss your health concerns. . If they do consult it is down the track when treatment can be extended or a waste of time - and yes they do die because of this strange aversion to either discussion or examination. It is no surprise that despite the excessive costs, health outcomes in the US do not match the cost.

Please do not blame the poor healthcare outcomes of men on physicians and their trainees and other medical staff. Men are quite often their own worst enemies. Also do not presume to speak on behalf of most men. You do not

Of course men also do not as a rule have the non-professional networks that women have and this too can play a role in mental health issues or even early death

Interestingly some of the best OBS/GNY specialists are men.

[MenShouldSpeakUp]

Glad you are enjoying what for most men is a very unusual experience.

[MDT1030]

Sorry this happened to you. Im male and I go to a large dermatology practice. I see a female dermatologist and my privacy has never once been violated. My dermatologist never has an assistant in the room for any of my visits (she says assistants, scribes are not necessary).