Asking to Observe . . . Any true experiences

On another forum, a male wrote about how he had to go to the doctor every now and then to have something drained to end an erection he had over a long period of time. I bought the story, but I was shocked by the part where a female nurse asked him if she could watch the procedure. In this case it was not a nurse that had seen him naked before. He said yes.

Do medical professionals ever really make such a request of a patient they are not associated with? Wouldn't there be a rule against it? Has anyone ever done this, or been on the receiving end, being asked to let him/her stay?

It happens all the time. I'm a medical student, and my classmates and I often watch procedures that we aren't associated with.

The procedure you described sounds legit. From what I have learned, sticking a needle in a penis and draining the blood and squirting in saline is an accepted procedure for treating priapism -- as in "notify your doctor immediately if you have an erection lasting more than four hours." It's enough to make you think twice before using Viagra.

Because of the way I phrased the question, you're referring to only those situatons where the subject is asked. I presume state law and hospital policy requre the consent of the patient, yes?

It is going to be different in each state and each hospital. I don't think it is really so much law or policy as it is standard practice and good customer service.

I think there is some standard guideline or rule that says that the patient always has the right to know what role everyone on the team plays, and has the right to say that observers can't watch. In reality, however, in a teaching hospital, there are so many observers, and so many ways people dress, that patients don't usually know who is observing and who is actually part of the treatment team.

I mean patients don't usually know what job people play. I get called nurse all the time, just because I'm female. I also get called doctor, even though I 'm a medical student. I could correct everyone who calls me the wrong thing, but after a while, I just give up and smile. My name badge clearly says medical student, and if the patients would just read the badge, they would know who I am.

Ashley, it is so good to have your thoughtful and informed professional perspective on different aspects of what actually goes on in the medical world. You are an asset to this forum and I have no doubt that you will be a first-class physician after you have qualified. Thanks for being with us!

I am premed and I too observe examinations. The physician I am with always asks his patient if it is ok for me to observe the exam. So far, I have not had anybody say no.

I am a patient at a Veteran's Administration Medical Center. I have a very unusual heart problem and my Cardiologist likes having her students listen to the sound it makes. She always asks my permission for a student to examine me.

I had a hard-to-detect hernia, and the doctor brought in a very young female med student in to feel for it during the pre-op physical. I wound up telling the student where she was slightly off. I was standing on a platform while she fished around. Then after all that, and after I was dressed, a senior female doctor came in and confirmed it. This was in a military medical hospital. I have had many other observers during other sessions.

Docm1030, Are you a female premed? If so we would love to hear your experiences with naked patients.

Me, too!!!

And please spice them up!

HA!

In response to ultra, I am a male premed. In my line of work, I do not see any naked patients. Having a patient be nude during an exam is in violation of a patient's modesty and privacy.

I'm a male and over the years I have had a few different doctors. One doctor (female) always had a female nurse in the room if my private areas were to be examined. I have had a female dermatologist give me a skin exam with a female trainee in the room. I was at one point totally naked and I'm pretty sure it was the first time the trainee had been in the room with the penis exposed. It's fun to watch how they try to sneak a peek. Sometimes the female assistants stare more than peek. LOL

When ever I have gone to my gynecologist, or been in the hospital, they have always asked me if I minded having medical students or nurses etc., observe. I have had to sign a form giving permission. I do not have a problem with medical personnel observing, hopefull it will make them good doctors, nurses, and technicians.

Ive had regular physicals watched, but nothing like that - ouch.

I had a colonoscopy six months ago. I was on my left side on the table with an IV in my arm and my bare butt fully exposed for the exam when the doctor introduces me to some "new Doctors" who want to observe the procedure. At that point there was nothing left to be modest about and I just gave my permission and shortly thereafter fell asleep as the "happy juice" took hold. I had no memory of the procedure until my doctor showed me photos of my colon and his recommendations.

It's not unusual for med students, nursing students, interns and residents to observe medical exams or procedures, and even assist under an MD's or NP's supervision. Usually, the patient is asked first, but in my experience it's usually the doc coming in and saying "This is Dr. XXX, who is a resident here. Would you mind if he/she observes?" (or something to that effect.)

My male urologist always has a medical student with him.

Female most times, male last time. He asked permission and I always agree.

I end up with my pants around my ankles leaning over the table while he does a DRE.

Then I lay on my back on the table, fully exposed while he checks my penis and scrotum

I am disappointed when the medical student is male.

It might depend on your country, state, or even the hospital, but I believe that the patient has a right to be asked if they want people to observe their procedures.

It might depend on your country, state, or even the hospital, but I believe that the patient has a right to be asked if they want people to observe their procedures.

You do have that right. I went to a hospital for an angiogram that was a teaching hospital so I got shaved by a student nurse then again by the regular nurse who didn't like the way it was done.. I don't remember being asked but I'm not shy and would have objected if I cared. I've also had a doctors assistant be present for a physical and he saw everything including a prostate exam. I took that one for the team, not sure I would consent now. Older and grumpier!

My PSA jumped fo 1.0 to 1.4 so my PCP referred me to a urologist. He had a med student observing and asked the med student what he thought we should do - the student recommended a biopsy!!!!!! Both the Doctor and I laughed...and the doc said we should wait and see what the PSA does on the next test.

The student did stay in the room for the DRE. I didn't get a big thrill out of it but it wasn't a big deal either.

I had my annual prostate exam today. The doctor asked me if I minded if a medical student observed and I said that I didn’t mind. We reviewed the results of my post void residual test which were good. Then she said “I’ll just examine your prostrate. Would you mind if the student examined you a second time?” I said no and the doctor said ok. She pulled out gloves and lubricant and said “OK, You know the drill”. I dropped my pants and shorts and bent over the table. She examined me as usual and reported that it felt fine. Then the student examined me and the doc quizzed him about what he felt. I pulled up my pants and that was it till next year.