Examining Examinations Conducted under Anesthesia

This perspective article addresses the ethical and practical challenges surrounding medical trainees performing intimate examinations on patients under anesthesia, often without explicit consent. The author highlights the tension between the necessity of training skilled clinicians and respecting patients' rights to privacy and bodily autonomy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of informed consent, particularly for vulnerable populations, and critiques the historical lack of transparency in such practices. The article calls for clear policies to ensure ethical trainee involvement, balancing educational needs with patient dignity. It also reflects on broader implications for medical education and patient trust in the wake of the #MeToo movement.

This perspective article addresses the ethical and practical challenges surrounding medical trainees performing intimate examinations on patients under anesthesia, often without explicit consent. The author highlights the tension between the necessity of training skilled clinicians and respecting patients' rights to privacy and bodily autonomy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of informed consent, particularly for vulnerable populations, and critiques the historical lack of transparency in such practices. The article calls for clear policies to ensure ethical trainee involvement, balancing educational needs with patient dignity. It also reflects on broader implications for medical education and patient trust in the wake of the #MeToo movement.