JACKIE: An awkard situation that wasn’t awkward at all

How many of you future medical students are afraid of the moment when you must perform your first rectal or pelvic exam? I’ll tell you what: I certainly was. Actually, I suppose fear isn’t really the right word to describe the feeling that overcame me when envisioning my first rectal exam; it was more like dread. Super major dread. I just did not want to do it. I know that may be childish and/or unprofessional, but given the facts of the act, I simply would have preferred to never, ever do it.

I am pleased to report that our practice sessions for the pelvic and rectal exams were far from fearful or dreadful. In fact, these sessions were enlightening, anxiety-releasing, edifying experiences. We were given careful instruction with videos, demonstrations, dummies, little plastic prostates and breasts, and all the rest of the nine yards, and then we were broken down into small groups in which we each practiced the exam on a standardized patient. I know, it sounds like it would be awkward, but somehow it really wasn’t. Each of my classmates exhibited a perfectly appropriate mix of nervousness and professionalism that I admired. The patients were extremely helpful, giving feedback and assuaging our concerns. All in all, it was quick and painless and way better than I thought it would be. I now feel confident that I could adequately perform a pelvic or rectal exam if ever called upon to do it. This feeling is obviously way better than the dread I felt before these practice sessions.

My take away message in this short, pithy story is this: Don’t spend too much time worrying about these exams. Someone will teach you how to do it, and you’ll do it and it will be totally fine. I promise.

Welcome to medical school…