aging | sexism | physicians| ageism

Dear Physicians

stop calling me dear and honey

U.G.H.

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Early into Autumn, I wound up in the ER due to an exposure to crab: my allergy nemesis.

Here is that tale:

My Very First Ambulance Ride

The patting MD

The ER physician came in at different points. Sometimes he was listening to my heart or lungs, or talking to me, but it was always some “pat” along with “honey,” “dear,” “sweetie” or whatever else [I’m not sure what he called me as I was hardly listening to him — I was furious.] Each time he appeared I also got a pat that had nothing to do with listening to my heart or lungs — it was more like what you’d do to a child or a dog!

Photo by Steve Smith on Unsplash

I didn't say anything to him because I've learned over time to hold my tongue — knowing I'd never see him again after I left the ER — and I just wanted to get out…