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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

@.twist.: I agree. No need to provide an excuse. It's your medical care, just say No.

@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!

I will let students in whenever I do feel comfortable though because I do know it is important. My personal comfort comes first though.

@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.

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!

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.

I would just say you aren't comfortable wtih students during examinations, most places completey understand and will have the room cleared!