Okay ladies, Yesterday, 9/8/09 I went to my new nephrologists office. I chose to change doctors from my previous doctor only because this doctor came to Casa Grande one day a week. I didn't think I was up to travelling to Scottsdale to see my trusted doctor.
I happened to meet this doctor while in Chandler Regional Hospital back in May 2009. I was in the hospital for 5 days with a C-diff infection. When you are hospitalized a specialist for each of your conditions visits you (I think). Anyway that is where I met this doctor and he told me he came to Casa Grande one day a week.
Researching him showed no complaints etc.
During my visit yesterday, 9-08-09, I was seated in a chair next to his writing table. I mentioned that I thought my Pericarditis was acting up and asked him to check my heart. He got up and literaly planted himself next to my shoulder so that his pelvic area was touching my shoulder. I moved away, he moved back to touching me, and I moved away again. I said or did nothing. I was caught off guard. I have notified a site on the internet called customerservice@healthgarde.com. I just want this information to appear where others who see this doctor will be aware of my experience. I don't know what other sites need to be notified. Any suggestions?
Again this site, empowher.com, has become a blessing for me to talk to others. Thank you.
Anne
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment14 Comments
By the way, I have an appointment on 9-10-09 with my cardiologist to discuss options re: my pericarditis. And I have an appointment later this month with my former nephrologist.
September 9, 2009 - 10:07amAnne
This Comment
Dear Anne
Thanks for your comment and welcome!
At the risk of sounding confused - I am not sure what he did that was inappropriate. When doctors are checking various body parts/regions, their bodies can touch or some close to us. When doctors are checking our eyes and throats, for example, they lean in and a female doctor would have to make sure she wasn't wearing a loose v-neck or scoop neck so that she's not accidentally flashing cleavage.
Was he leaning into you too much? Was he pelvis pressing down on you? I'm trying to visualize it in my head - you were sitting and he was checking your heart? That would mean his pelvis should have been sticking out away from you, not against you. Is this correct? Did he say anything to you to indicate some ill-intent on his part?
I'm just trying to gauge if his behavior was sexually inappropriate or if he should have taken a better physical position with which to examine you.
I'm sorry this happened and that you feel that your personal space was violated - I just want to make sure the doctor knew what he was doing. He may well have and will need to be reported, or he may have no idea that his actions could make his patients feel like they made you feel. Could you explain a little more?
Thanks Anne and we look forward to hearing more from you-
September 9, 2009 - 11:26amHe was definitely making sure his pelvis came into contact with my upper arm area or shoulder. I was sitting in a regular table chair, he did not lean over before planting his pelvis area against my shoulder. He is a man of 5'5" or 5'6" tall. He had his left hand on my shoulder. I moved away and he moved in again. I moved away again. I don't want to sound defensive but I have had numerous, numerous, doctor visits and all involve lung and heart checks with a stethoscope and every doctor is VERY careful because of this possible accusation. I do not mention this lightly.
September 9, 2009 - 4:35pmDear Anne
I'm sure you are not taking this lightly and you are not sounding defensive at all.
If you want to take this further, you may contact the Arizona medical board and file a complaint - here is the link http://www.azmd.gov/Forms/md_complaint.pdf
We wish you the very best.
September 10, 2009 - 7:59amThank you so much for this information. I am following through with my complaint. If only to have a strong female assistant to be present when he examines his female patients. This kind of behavior shouldn't have to be tolerated by anyone.
September 10, 2009 - 8:27amHello Anne!
Welcome to EmpowHer! Thank you so much for posting this and for letting us know what happened with this doctor. I think that we are all given the gift of that little voice when something happens that is not right or appropriate. In my opinion, too often women are telling that little voice to be quiet. To me, this sounds like your instinct and/or little voice was telling you that something was off with this physician. It could be possible that he was trying to examine you, but like you said, you've had plenty of examinations and his pelvis should not have been touching your shoulder. Even if he didn't mean anything sinister by this, he needs to be told how to appropriately examine his patients. And if he was being inappropriate, then he needs to be dealt with by the medical board. In other words, your reporting him will only help the situation and any future female patients. Would you please write again to let us know what happens with this? Susan C., thank you too for giving Anne such great links for the information and for helping to clarify everything. Best in health, Michelle
September 18, 2009 - 9:38pmHi Anne,
I just wanted to say thank you for coming to EmpowHer to share this information. So many women put their trust to medical professionals and there are always that select few that tend to abuse their positions. I hope you certainly use the information provided by Susan so in the future, this will not happen again.
September 19, 2009 - 9:36amMichelle, Your words are right on target. I wasn't tied down, raped or anything as brazen. I just knew he wasn't supposed to be touching me with that part of his anatomy. I was told by the Medical Board investigator that he would be sent a letter outlining the complaint and he would be given a chance to reply to the complaint. I would not know the final outcome of the boards decision. I was told the complaint would become part of his permanent record. If he chooses to go before the board, I would also be allowed to appear. Sounds scary. But, I can only reiterate what happened to me during the visit. I will follow up with this site as soon as anything happens regarding this complaint as well as my future doctors visits as before. Thank you, Anne
September 19, 2009 - 9:40amHi Anne,
You are most welcome; we are more than happy to help you out. I don't think I'd want some guy's pelvis touching me either; it all sounds really creepy. Please continue to keep us posted on what happens and if you feel comfortable updating us, if you have to appear before the board. You might not realize this, but I think you have just helped so many women by sharing your story and your brave reaction. Thank you so much for doing this! Big hugs, Michelle
September 19, 2009 - 11:12pmThanks Michelle, I just knew I had to do it for myself and I have always tried to be helpful to others so I am hopeful that with my actions and comments I can help others to feel empowered. I won't deny that this hasn't been difficult mentally and emotionally but in the big scheme of things I know it is the right thing to do for me in the long run. I wish only the best for all of my sisters in the medical community to keep "seeing the light at the end of the tunnel" For me it is 6 small (under 4) grandchildren I want to know and love. Anne
September 20, 2009 - 9:56am