https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:29:07 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/politely-declining-medical-students#post-611670 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:32:12 +0000 LuLu Mom 611670@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would just say you aren't comfortable wtih students during examinations, most places completey understand and will have the room cleared! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/politely-declining-medical-students#post-611382 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:18:56 +0000 Silva 611382@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband is in his 4th year, we just explain that when declining. He is more uncomfortable with it than I am, so I usually let him do it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/politely-declining-medical-students#post-611370 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:14:20 +0000 Modern Daisy 611370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In general I think it's important to allow med students to observe patients, even in more intimate appointments and I always allow it, but if me or DH actually knew the student - that would definitely change things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/politely-declining-medical-students#post-611328 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:56:19 +0000 MrsH 611328@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A med student wanted to observe my d&amp;c. :( I just told the doctor who was performing it that I thought the procedure should be private and requested that the med student not be allowed to observe. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/politely-declining-medical-students#post-611325 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:53:16 +0000 Ocean girl 611325@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Maysprout: I'm in a similar situation, except my DH is thru Med school and now in his residency... And I also work at the same hospital as him (in a non-clinical role) and my role involves lots of interaction with staff MD's, nurses and residents. So it's more likely than not that I will have worked with the people who will be delivering my LO. </p> <p>It's a tough thing to decline Med Students - on the one hand, you know how important their "hands on" training is, but on the other, you would rather not have them examining you, etc... As the ladies have said above, I'd politely decline and tell yourself that you will participate in the education of future med students once your DH is past that stage! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/politely-declining-medical-students#post-611238 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:26:20 +0000 blackbird 611238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just say you'd prefer not since your husband is a medical student here. No biggie! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/politely-declining-medical-students#post-611221 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:21:00 +0000 .twist. 611221@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Maysprout: Honestly, they won't mind. Yes, it's encouraged for their learning but it's also a procedure that you need to be your most comfortable at. I know that when I get paps done I am ALREADY uncomfortable, so to have someone else there just staring up my whooha would make me even more uncomfortable! </p> <p>I will let students in whenever I do feel comfortable though because I do know it is important. My personal comfort comes first though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/politely-declining-medical-students#post-611218 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:20:13 +0000 cheert16 611218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow- if I was in your position I def. wouldnt be letting med students into my room! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/politely-declining-medical-students#post-611215 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:18:39 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 611215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: I agree. No need to provide an excuse. It's your medical care, just say No. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/politely-declining-medical-students#post-611213 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:18:04 +0000 Maysprout 611213@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah, I just started to worry that it would be interpreted badly. I didn't think much of it until I went to the OB website and they have a whole section on how important it is to let the students observe and while you can decline it's strongly encouraged to let them be there. So that made me a little nervous but they probably wont be pushy in person. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/politely-declining-medical-students#post-611209 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:14:05 +0000 Boheme 611209@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think in your case you could just state your reasons just like you did here and no one would blame you! I work at an OB practice (albeit as a social worker) but I wouldn't take offense at all if you asked me to note it in your chart that you'd rather not have students observing. I decline them as well, because often times they are my coworkers. Its always been accepted graciously :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/politely-declining-medical-students#post-611204 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:13:21 +0000 .twist. 611204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well, for some reason this situation has come up with me a lot over the years. </p> <p>They straight up ask you if you're comfortable with having students in the room with you, and depending on the appointment or what's being done, if I don't feel comfortable, I just say "No, I don't think I'd be very comfortable with that at this time". </p> <p>They are pretty good about it and usually say "OK! Let's get started then" and finish up the appointment sans students. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/politely-declining-medical-students#post-611202 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:11:09 +0000 Maysprout 611202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll be going to an OB practice at the hospital where my husband is a 3rd year medical student. That means his classmates are going to be coming around while I have my appointments and asking to look at my goods. If it's a nether region free appointment I'd be OK with one of his classmates coming in but I really don't want someone I know and hang out with or who my husband knows looking at my hoo ha. </p> <p>How do you express that you're uncomfortable with med students looking at your hoo hoo without coming off as mean? </p>