A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes: Hi, I'm bit confused to why my doctor won't shake my hand when we are alone, but will when somelse in the room. We've know each for a while. He's in his early 40s and I'm in my early 20s is this normal Reply to this Question Share |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
reader, anonymous, writes (24 April 2017): It's probably within his personal code of ethics not to be too familiar with female patients. In many cases, it comes from a bad experience from the past, and he's just being wisely cautious.
My doctor doesn't shake hands, to reduce risk of cross-infection between patients. He washes his hands before and after examinations. He always wears gloves. I've known him 11 years!
I should suggest that it not be taken personally; nor should you require it as necessary in a doctor-patient relationship.
He is also experienced and intelligent enough to pickup signals from patients that border on flirtatious or inappropriate. So it's wise to remain neutral and keep them at the proper professional-distance. He has seen you with your clothes off and touched you in private places. That's his job.
He is as intimate as his profession demands, when doing a medical-examination. He is otherwise polite.
His courtesies beyond treatment should be completely void of any possible misinterpretation. People are well-known to become romantically-attached to their doctors and therapists. Opportunists can also be very clever; and his profession is often a big target! The wrong move or the wrong female-patient could cost him his career!
Consider him a true professional!
A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (24 April 2017): Do you know that male doctors are not allowed to examin female patients alone. If they do they could be desciplined. There has to be a nurse present with them there.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (24 April 2017):
He could have an issue with handshakes - I for one don't like shaking people's hands when meeting. I am VERY good at avoiding it.
There is no NEED for him to shake your hand in order to examine you.
And lastly, it might be policy or out of hygiene issues.
Why does it matter to you?
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A
female
reader, Tisha-1 +, writes (24 April 2017):
Guesses:
Perhaps he's had trouble in the past with being accused of sexual harassment and is being extremely careful not to have any more complaints in that regard.
Some facilities have strict rules about provider/patient contact.
It could be that he's concerned you have a crush on him and is being very careful not to give you any false hope.
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