topic Re: Does Your Doctor Do This? in Wellness

Does Your Doctor Do This?

Suzeecat — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:27:49 GMT

I went to see my primary care physician yesterday to review updated blood work for my thyroid condition, all is well. Upon entering the exam room, I'm sitting on the paper-covered table (leaves a "lovely" bottom outline!), he gave me a greeting hug. It was a quick visit, and before leaving, he hugged me again.

It did not make me feel uncomfortable, although I was not raised in a "hugging" family so it doesn't come naturally to me, but I just thought it odd for a dr. to hug his patient. I've been seeing him for about five yrs. now. Before Covid I don't remember him being a hugger, and of course, the past three yrs. were a combination of televisits and mask-wearing in person visits. This hugging is a recent development. I'm wondering if it's some kind of new "thing" to make patients more comfortable and cared for.

I'm just wondering if this is a "trend", or maybe it's because of my age (67), I'm considered "elderly"? Does anybody else's PCP routinely hug?

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

NickNack — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:35:15 GMT

My PCP does not hug me. I've been seeing her for about 15 years.

My Vet always hugged me before Covid. She no longer does. I've seen her since early in her practice (probably 20 years), and it seemed very natural for her to hug me.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

Meowingkitty — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:30:44 GMT

My PCP doesn't but my gyno (female) will hug at the end of the visit. I don't come from a huggy family either but it doesn't bother me.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

CrazyKittyLvr2 — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:36:23 GMT

@Suzeecat My current PCP had better not try it, however, my Dr. of nearly 40 years (he retired in 2017 and died shortly after) and I frequently hugged hello.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

PINKdogWOOD — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:43:28 GMT

We do get a hearty hand shake from out Drs but no hugs, not from any of them. I would not be put out though if any one of them hugged me though.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

nyc1 — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:49:08 GMT

No hugs from my doctors, but a hug with our financial advisor! I'm a hugger.... less so, sadly, since COVID...... but still hugging certain people.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

chrystaltree — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:09:50 GMT

Of course it isn't a trend. I don't know what it was but he is going to get in trouble he does that to the wrong woman. It would have made me extremely uncomfortable too. I'm not a hugger either.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

haddon9 — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:15:53 GMT

No! I can't imagine passing germs from person to person. What if someone is sick?

While I was never in favor of mask wearing many doctors' offices still require them as well as hospitals. I wore the mask to make others happy and follow their rules. I didn't wear one because I was afraid of catching something....however I'm not a fan of doctors hugging patients.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

Citrine1 — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:17:42 GMT

I'm a hugger, but I think I'd find it quite odd if my doctor hugged me.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

Sunshine Kate — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:20:36 GMT

No hugs here. I wouldn't like that.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

LindaSal — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:22:46 GMT

@Suzeecat I am a hugger and like others have tried to refrain a bit since Covid. I do still hug the ones I love (always) and a few others at times. My PCP does hug me at my appoinments. Of course I have been seeing him for over 30 years so I am totally comfortable with it. He is old school and an absolute darling in my eyes so I see nothing at all wrong with it. As far as a trend though, I doubt it, as some people tend to take things way out of context.......

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

RetRN — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:28:34 GMT

Not a good practice. A handshake yes, a hug no.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

smoochy — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:30:50 GMT

Unprofessional and inappropriate regardless of intention. I would not be at all comfortable.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

manny2 — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:32:17 GMT

@chrystaltree wrote:
Of course it isn't a trend. I don't know what it was but he is going to get in trouble he does that to the wrong woman. It would have made me extremely uncomfortable too. I'm not a hugger either.

I agree with you @chrystaltree I think this is a dangerous practice for a lot of reasons. It’s unprofessional, and there will be a patient that is uncomfortable with it. Why would any doctor put themself in that position.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

skatting44 — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:34:00 GMT

No. Seems unprofessional .

Is he a Doctor that you know socially or has he been your Doctor for many years ?

If you , feel uncomfortable , just tell him that you are not into hugging or talk with the office nurse or manager .

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

ScrapHappy — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:36:35 GMT

My GYN does. I admit, it took me by surprise the first time. It's a little awkward but I don't mind because she's a good doctor and she kind and really takes time with me.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

KittySoftPaws — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:38:04 GMT

I love hugs from people I know, like, and love. My Vet and his staff I have become great friends over the years and the ones that are considered friends, we have hugged. I would take it as a great compliment though. Most people only do this to people they really care for. I believe hugs are healing to our body and soul. Can't say my regular Doctor has ever hugged me, but when people do, I ususally feel flattered because as in my opinion, most, including myself, only do this with people they really like and care for.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

smoochy — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:54:15 GMT

I always receive a survey after every appointment in the large multi departmental clinical practice where I go for health care. I would definitely use that opportunity to mention unsolicited touching.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

Effie54 — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:00:23 GMT

I'm not a big hugger per se. My GP does not hug me, but my OB/GYN does. She's lovely and I don't mind.

Re: Does Your Doctor Do This?

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:00:34 GMT

I'm a hugger, but not with my GP or NP, even though I've known both for a very, very long time. The NP is female so she'll often comment on my shoes or purse, or maybe my top, and we'll usually have more small talk than I do with the GP. We once noticed the GP at a location out of town and he came over to say hello, but no hugs then either.

Our town dentist, whom we saw for decades, was such a great guy. I loved him, but not in a weird way. When he would come in to do his exam at my hygienist appointments, he'd always have some friendly chit chat, asked about what was up to, and would end his exam by giving me a shoulder squeeze and a pat. He passed away unexpectedly a few years ago while out of the country. I had just seen him shortly prior. My next appointment, right after it happened, was with his daughter who was a partner in the practice. When she arrived to start working on me, I lost it and fell apart. She hugged me that time, but it wasn't a usual thing for her.