So this past summer I hit the big 5-0. That’s right, I’ve lived a half of a century. For the most part, I feel great about having lasted this long. But there has been one thing looming for these past six months, and I finally had to face it head on…well, back on. That’s right, I’m talking about a colonoscopy, the one thing men dread about getting old.
So, there I was, lying on the examination table, feeling vulnerable and exposed. As the doctor prepared to perform the procedure, I couldn’t shake the sense of embarrassment that washed over me. I shouldn’t feel this way, but I couldn’t help it, and it got me thinking—why is it that patients are expected to bare it all while doctors remain shrouded in professional secrecy?
As I pondered this, an idea struck me: what if doctors were required to reveal something vulnerable about themselves, just as patients do during medical procedures? And thus, I propose a radical change to the licensure requirements for doctors: every medical practitioner should have a nude photo of themselves on display in their office, in their examination rooms, and even in the operating room. Here are five reasons why I believe this could benefit both doctors and patients:
- Normalize Vulnerability: Medical procedures often leave patients feeling exposed and vulnerable. By displaying a nude photo, doctors signal that vulnerability is a natural part of the human experience. This normalization can help patients feel more at ease during appointments, knowing that vulnerability is a shared experience.
- Foster Trust and Connection: Trust is essential in the doctor-patient relationship. By sharing a vulnerable aspect of themselves, doctors can break down barriers and foster a deeper sense of trust with their patients. Knowing that their doctor is willing to be vulnerable can help patients feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics and seeking medical advice.
- Promote Body Positivity: Our society often places unrealistic expectations on body image, leading to feelings of shame and insecurity. By displaying nude photos, doctors can promote body positivity and challenge societal norms about beauty and perfection. Patients may feel empowered and reassured knowing that their doctor embraces their own body, flaws and all.
- Humanize the Medical Profession: Doctors are often seen as authority figures, often times smug, distant, and unapproachable. By displaying a nude photo, doctors humanize themselves and remind patients that they are not infallible. They are the first ones to tell you that yours is just a human body, they’ve seen it all and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about, so why not put this to the test. This humanizing gesture can help patients feel more comfortable expressing concerns and asking questions, leading to better communication and healthcare outcomes.
- Encourage Self-Acceptance: Medical appointments can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. Seeing a nude photo of their doctor can remind patients that it’s okay to be vulnerable and imperfect. It sends a powerful message of self-acceptance and resilience, encouraging patients to embrace their own vulnerabilities and seek the care they need without fear or shame.
Now, I understand that this proposal may seem unconventional, even controversial. Critics may argue that it violates professional boundaries and privacy concerns, or that I have just changed doctors recently to a very attractive female doctor in her early thirties. This may be true, however, I believe that the benefits far outweigh any potential drawbacks and hidden agendas. By embracing vulnerability and promoting a culture of openness and acceptance, we can create a more compassionate and empathetic healthcare system for all.
In conclusion, let’s challenge the status quo and reimagine what it means to be a doctor. Let’s tear down the walls of secrecy and embrace vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. And let’s start by hanging up those nude photos in doctors’ offices everywhere. After all, a little vulnerability goes a long way.
Hiram Glassman
