I had a strange conversation with a Doctor this morning

[underpants]

About 5 weeks ago I had a dermatological procedure done. Some skin was removed which created a wound. Local anesthesia. Not a big deal and everything is fine.

So I had a follow up today.

At the end I mentioned that while performing this procedure he, the Doctor, wasn’t wearing a mask.

Dr.: Oh I don’t wear a mask.
Me: Don’t you think you should? There was an exposed wound regardless of how small it was.
Dr.: Masks are only used to protect me so I don’t think it’s necessary.
Me: You don’t think breathing into a bloodline could be a problem?
Dr.: There’s research that says it’s negligible and it’s really just to protect me.

I was dumbfounded. I really don’t know why I didn’t say anything the day of the procedure.

[wcmagumba]

1. I'd find a different doctor. Just me...

[Attilatheblond]

2. time to look for a different doctor

[Midnight Writer]

3. The reason everyone wears masks in the operating room is not "to protect the doctor".

[underpants]

8. Yeah. That really turned me back.

Believe it or not I know how to behave and I didn’t want “get into” it with him but wanted to say “So every surgeon and everyone in every operating room let alone ER’s doing procedures anything like this is wrong?!??”

[GenThePerservering]

4. I've not seen or heard of a mask being worn for such an extremely

minor procedure, at least as it is described here. Gloving up, yes. Masking? no.

[Wounded Bear]

7. Not since Covid anyway...

[underpants]

10. He was gloved up.

I had to go to an ER years ago for an ingrown and inflamed fingernail and I think the Dr masked up for that. Of course, I realized at one point we were in basically a broom closet. The Dr and nurse laughed. He’d said he needed something routine to break the stressful stuff and they were really busy so this was good enough.

[FarPoint]

29. Example, when nurses do dressing changes...

a mask being worn is rare....Yet, changing a picc line dressing, yes...must wear a mask due o the line going near the heart...

I think the OP patient was fine...I sense the doctor should not of been defensive, let it roll and say, sure, I can wear a mask , put one on and move on...

[LetMyPeopleVote]

5. Masks are not just to protect the Doctor

You need a new doctor

[CousinIT]

6. Uh...Change doctors. n/t

[Deuxcents]

9. I have a dermo appt Thursday and she always wears a mask.

She gets close to my face and any where she wants to double check something and I appreciate her for wearing a mask

[underpants]

12. I did some searching on this and I found an article that said

a lot of medical people wear them because it’s expected and to put patients minds at ease which I’d appreciate it.

[Deuxcents]

13. Works for me!

[senseandsensibility]

11. A couple of years ago I had a similar experience

My doctor wasn't wearing a mask. I didn't question him but he questioned me because I was wearing one. Although masks were not required at the time in medical facilities, most patients and doctors were wearing them. He flat out told me I didn't have to wear a mask. I thought that was weird, but I just shrugged if off.

[Tree Lady]

14. Mine is very anal about all

Procedures and always wears mask.

[DET]

15. 2 cents

I always wear a mask any time I visit a medical facility and most other places (haven’t had a cold or flu in six years). In my experience, the medical professional almost always asks if I want them to wear a mask when they see mine, which I appreciate. Personally, I’d be offended that your doctor didn’t offer to put on a mask when you clearly wanted him to. I would either find another doctor or tell him upfront that you need him to mask up.

[underpants]

17. I do too.

A lot of people get sick IN medical facilities. A LOT.

I’m going to take a day or two and find who to address the email/portal message to.

[peggysue2]

16. My dermatologist always masks up . . .

Regardless of how small the procedure. If the scalpel or scraper comes out, he's masked. Even for the canister of liquid nitrogen which is nearly every appointment since my melanoma surgery.

Guess the guidelines are more doctor specific than I knew.

[greatauntoftriplets]

18. I've known some odd dermatologists.

This one takes the cake. I'd find a new one after all your follow-ups with this guy.

[Kid Berwyn]

19. Yes and No.

Yes, he should wear a mask to protect you during the procedure. The practice reduces the chance of spreading germs.

No, not every procedure and procedure site , such as a wound in the external skin layers, are susceptible to airborne and respiratory pathogens. Your doctor might be erring on the side of experience-instinct-habit-tradition where “the Doc knows best.”

In the mid- to late-70s, I worked as an orderly in ER and OR. From what I know: good practice calls for surgeons to operate in the cleanest environment possible and to wear sterile and unused, masks, gloves and protective clothing. The surgical site must be prepped and cleaned. Often Betadine would be painted on the cleaned area and to show the surgeon where to go. A sterile sheet or towel is placed around the operating site. All the equipment that will be used, likewise is sterile or sufficiently clean for its purpose.

Because of financial pressures these days, however, many hospitals, clinics and medical offices are cutting staff, supplies and corners. One area I’ve noticed is cleanliness and housekeeping. So, when I was hospitalized for pneumonia about 20 years back, I was shocked to see grime on the hospital bed railings, along the intersections of floors and walls, and in other parts of my room. Last visit to a hospital showed things have gotten worse.

Your example makes me very concerned. I have lost family and friends who contacted illnesses in hospital and died. Please do all you can to watch your wound for infection and keep up you immunological defenses.

[underpants]

37. Thanks.

Years ago I asked a couple Patient First people how they avoided getting sick. Their response - zinc. I’ve taken it everyday. D too.

[Aviation Pro]

20. I have stopped examinations for less

Much less.

Physician arrogance is a real thing.

[ToxMarz]

21. She gets points for honesty I guess. She only wears a mask in order to protect herself.

But it would be nice if she wanted to protect you too.

[ananda]

22. Time to get a new doctor.

...

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

23. Always remember;

Some doctor had to finish last in his class!

[maxsolomon]

24. It's probably fine.

What is "breathing into a bloodline"?

[sheshe2]

26. Back again?!

Bye.

[Emile]

31. She can't stay away.

[sheshe2]

35. Sad isn't it.

It's time she finds another hobby.

[Vinca]

28. Not exactly sterile procedure for an open wound.

[no_hypocrisy]

30. Two words: Joseph Lister

Lister made a remarkable observation that wound infection seemed to be associated with exposure to the air. He began successfully applying an antiseptic approach to surgery based on the principles of “no germs, no infection, no disease.”


https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9854334/

[Conjuay]

32. Ask him which leeches he uses, or if he has a preference.

[Nasruddin]

33. The secret of medical specialists

The left big toenail doctor knows little about the right big toenail.
He's heard of the eyebrow, but he's not sure it's been scientifically proven to exist.
Not that he would understand the scientific proof, if there was any.

[VMA131Marine]

34. N95 masks are equally effective for preventing

the person wearing the mask from inhaling infectious agents in the environment as well as preventing the wearer from spreading their own germs.

A doctor should know this.

[Horse with no Name]

36. That's about 20 shades of bullshit right there

You should find another doctor. This one is maga

[underpants]

38. That was my instinct too.