how did i miss this one?

I recently came across this article, "the other side of the speculum" in Canadian Family Physician, written last year by a then 3rd year medical student, Brent Thoma. Under the heading of "Reflections", Thoma discusses his distain for the "horrible ritual" of the pap smear. [hint: it is not more enjoyable on the woman's side of the speculum, FYI]

In the article, Thoma describes his distain for giving pap smears; "Suffice to say, herpetic lesions, warts, yeast infections, and week-old tampons are not what get me up in the morning."

For once, I am speechless.

This was actually printed in a medical journal? I will have difficulty seeing this as a credible publication after their editorial board stood behind this juvenile, sexist rant.

I suppose to his credit, Thoma wrote a reflective letter about his article in a later edition of the journal. However despite his apology for the "use of humour", I think that the original article tells us more about Thoma's view of women and about his professionalism.

I know I would never want this man involved in my medical care.

Shame-based medical education: Is there a better way?

While working on a literature review on medicine and power, I came across this unfortunate quote. I really, really hope that this is not the general opinion of physicians, but I am curious what others think...

"I think that our working relationships [Between ICU doctors and nurses - ETA] are very forward—we are all part of the team—if the doctor isn’t there it fails, and if the nurse isn’t there, it fails. . . . I think we (doctors) lead the team by involvement and motivation.

We promote, motivate, demonstrate respect, call each other by first names. I think that some of the nurses may feel that there is a hierarchy, but I think that it’s their problem. They’re shit scared of medicine, but that’s their problem.

The junior staff (junior doctors) have a rough ride if they don’t know the patient. They are trained by embarrassment [BBM -ed]. Nursing is different, it’s high on molly coddling. Nurses appreciate handholding."

-- Anonymous ICU Physician

Coombs, M. (2003) Power and conflict in intensive care clinical decision making. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing 19, 125–135