Feeling Medicine

How the Pelvic Exam Shapes Medical Training (Biopolitics, 21)

Kelly Underman

The urgency surrounding medical training and the pressing need to reevaluate the pelvic exam is at the heart of Feeling Medicine: How the Pelvic Exam Shapes Medical Training by Kelly Underman. This groundbreaking work unearths the complexities embedded in a routine procedure that often oscillates between necessity and discomfort, shining a spotlight on how the examination goes beyond mere physicality-it embodies a pervasive power dynamics within the healthcare system.

In a society that's increasingly prioritizing narratives of consent and autonomy, Underman invites you to confront the deeply rooted traditions that have long dictated the way medical training operates. Through her incisive lens, she unveils how the pelvic exam serves as a rite of passage for students-one that is steeped in historical significance yet starkly disconnected from the lived experiences of patients. You can almost feel the tension in the air as Underman challenges you to reflect: is the pelvic exam an essential skill or an archaic ritual that perpetuates trauma?

As you delve into the 320 pages of Feeling Medicine, you're not just reading; you're engaging in a visceral dialogue about respect, ethics, and the evolution of medical practices. Underman's compelling arguments resonate resonance, conjuring feelings of empathy and anger in equal measure, as she explores the intersection of gender, power, and education in medical training. The stark reality is laid bare: the way future physicians learn to perform pelvic exams embodies a paradox, ultimately shaping their professional identities while influencing patient care.

What sets this book apart is Underman's ability to ground theory in tangible realities. As you turn page after page, you find yourself encountering the voices of countless patients and practitioners grappling with the implications of medical education that has historically favored technique over compassion. The critical lenses she employs unveil the myriad stories buried beneath layers of anatomy and procedure, igniting a ripple of reflective considerations about what truly defines medical professionalism and the morality of practice.

The reader comments illustrate a spectrum of reaction-while some are enthralled by Underman's provocative insights, others express discomfort, suggesting the need for a more nuanced discussion about the pelvic exam's role in a patient's life. Critics have raised concerns about the potential for her views to overshadow the practical importance of exams in early diagnosis. Yet, Underman's aim isn't to dismiss these exams entirely but rather to elevate the conversation about how they're taught and perceived.

Moreover, Feeling Medicine serves as a lot more than just a critique. It's a call to arms for educators and healthcare professionals alike, encouraging a shift toward a more holistic, patient-centered approach. It forces you to examine the pedagogical structures that reinforce inequality and challenges medical institutions to dismantle the barriers between theory and practice. Through her work, Underman ignites fierce conversations that extend beyond the medical community, demanding societal engagement in redefining what it means to provide compassionate care.

This book isn't merely an academic exploration; it's a cultural commentary poised to resonate with anyone concerned about the ethical dimensions of medical training and patient care. Feeling Medicine grabs you by the heart and compels you to question everything you thought you knew about the pelvic exam. Are you ready to confront the fabric of medical tradition and pave the way for a future that values deep understanding, empathy, and respect? The urgency is palpable, and the dialogue is just beginning. Embrace the challenge-your perception of medicine may never be the same again.

📖 Feeling Medicine: How the Pelvic Exam Shapes Medical Training (Biopolitics, 21)

✍ by Kelly Underman

🧾 320 pages

2020

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