The most intimate and intrusive question

摘要

I was in my third year of medical school, rotating through the family medicine outpatient clinic. Over several weeks, I had seen innumerable patients for medication follow-ups, upper-respiratory infections, and complete physical exams, the bread and butter of primary care. I had also memorized the current vaccination schedule, as well as guidelines for cancer screening. The end of the rotation was nearing, and I felt that I had developed a pretty strong grasp of this field of medicine, not expecting any twists. In all honesty, the work grew mundane at times: titration of medications and promoting health maintenance. I was ready to move on. Then walked in "Mr. Davis." His chart simply stated that he was in for right-hand pain, after suffering a stroke. Another follow-up. I felt up to the task.