Op Ed: Pelvic Exams Performed on Anesthetized Patients

Authors

Dena S. Davis, Cleveland State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Op-Ed

Publication Date

5-2003

Publication Title

AMA Virtual Mentor

Keywords

bioethics, pelvic exams

Abstract

Recent revelations in the news media about unconsented pelvic exams performed on anesthetized patients by medical students for the education of the students, not the medical benefit of the patient, highlighted a stunning chasm in communication and thought between two groups: medical educators and potential patients. I first found out about this issue when a member of a bioethics "chat group," hosted by the Medical College of Wisconsin, posted an article about the practice. The responses by chat group members were astounding: nonphysicians (primarily female) reacted with shock and outrage. Physicians and physician educators often responded by saying, "This is the way everyone learns to do pelvic exams. What's the problem?"

Comments

Original URL

Repository Citation

Davis, Dena S., "Op Ed: Pelvic Exams Performed on Anesthetized Patients" (2003). Law Faculty Articles and Essays. 376.
https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/fac_articles/376