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Re: GENERAL: Inappropriate breast exam by a male doctor
From: Jo (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sat, 14 Apr 2007 18:03:41 -0500 (CDT)
Ellen,
It's always a good idea to check with the state medical board to see if
this doctor has any previous violations...you can also file an official
complaint with them.(The agency can revoke or limit a doctor's license
to practice medicine in that state, if an investigation proves
wrongdoing.) Of course, what you're alleging here is basically "sexual
assault" by a health professional. If you feel you've been violated you
should start a paper trail by filing a police report. You do have
rights as a patient...always request a female nurse be present during
future exams. Good luck, Jo
At Sat, 14 Apr 2007, Ellen wrote:
>
>Three weeks ago I went to a doctor in Boston for a medical exam for a
>visa to live in Australia. The Embassy requires use of their doctors,
>so I had no choice in the matter.
>The doctor's office was very dingy and rundown. The doctor himself was
>less than pleasant. He didn't introduce himself or really talk to me at
>all. Halfway through the exam he was checking my lungs and heart on my
>back. He then asked me to lie down. He then pulled my gown all the way
>down to my waist. He proceeded to check my heart and lungs on my front
>side. Then he began an unannounced breast exam.
>After the exam, I went home and looked over the necessary elements of
>the exam in the eyes of the Embassy. There was a section on breast
>exams, but it says "where clinically necessary." I don't see how it is
>necessary in my case. I am a 26 year old, healthy woman with no history
>of breast trouble in my family. Doesn't sound clinically necessary to
>me. Not to mention that even in my annual exam with my OBGYN my gown is
>not removed and there HAS to be a female nurse in the room if the doctor
>is male.
>I'm feeling really violated and angry. I'm not sure what to do. Or who
>to talk to about it. I intend to pass along all of this information to
>the Australian Embassy once my visa is approved. I don't want to
>jeopardize my application by bringing this up. I also didn't bring any
>of this up at the doctor's office for the same reason, this doctor had
>the ability to refuse to sign my medical clearance and then I would not
>be able to join my fiance.
>What should I do?
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