Medical professionals - Moving someone in their wheelchair without asking if they want and consent for you to is no different from lifting me off my feet without asking if I want or charge for you to.

A mobility device is part of the person.
*consent, not charge
This is true of any touch. It& #39;s important to remember that it& #39;s not normal or okay to touch or handle our patients without permission, & that medical consent, like any other, must be affirmatively expressed, isn& #39;t implied by previous consent, & can be revoked at any time
"But that would mean I& #39;d need to ask each time they see me even if I& #39;ve examined them before?"

Yes. In fact, you should be explaining your intentions and requesting permission throughout an exam. (Human docs, PLEASE PERFORM MORE PHYSICAL EXAMS)
Maybe there& #39;s new pain.

Maybe you caused harm last time that you don& #39;t know about.

Remember also that our physical exams are actually a series of diagnostic tests, & the patient may provide crucial context if asked.

Also, it& #39;s basic respect for bodily autonomy.
This applies equally to nudity.

It& #39;s scary to be undressed in front of a doctor. It& #39;s scarier, the power imbalance bigger, & the feeling of vulnerability stronger when the doctor has you disrobe before meeting you.

Your schedule is less important than your patient& #39;s dignity
Speaking of invasions, knock AND WAIT FOR PERMISSION before entering an exam room.

*Especially if nudity is even remotely possible.*

The exam room is a private setting - how you treat that privacy signals how you regard your patient.

It& #39;s your office, it& #39;s their room.
We take INCREDIBLE liberties with our patients& #39; bodies, in ways that impact their lives deeper and longer than most experiences they ever have.

This is a sacred trust.

We must be more aware of how we impact our patients physically, emotionally, & psychologically than they are
We are caretakers, guides through unfamiliar territory, & translators of opaque language. We partner with patients to help navigate them through complex, scary, and risk-laden medical care.

We exist to serve the patient, not the other way around.
The patient isn& #39;t the one being unreasonable by expecting to meet their medical provider before undressing.
You can follow @DerekTheVet.
Tip: mention @twtextapp on a Twitter thread with the keyword “unroll” to get a link to it.

Latest Threads Unrolled: