Hey! I have no intention to offend anyone, I'm just curious: how do you deal with or how is it when you get a Muslim patient? Where I live (Holland) there's a lot of diversity and of course some Muslims, so I've always wondered if Dutch doctors ever get nervous about, well, examining Muslim female patients since they tend to cover themselves. I've always been afraid to ask so I hope you answer me with your POV/experience! Thanks:)
I live in an area of the country that is mostly black-white-Hispanic, so I don’t see a lot of Muslim patients in my current practice. But I’ve been to conservative Muslim-majority countries in the past and have treated patients there and I was never nervous about it. But as a woman I think lots of women are more comfortable with female providers anyway, so that helps. Maybe it’s different with male providers. Also remember that not all Muslim women cover or would be uncomfortable with a male provider.
I am a very body-modest person, so protecting my patients’ privacy and modesty is something I work hard at, regardless of their religion. I have Mennonite and Pentecostal patients who dress very modestly as well, so the same rules apply. You ask before touching sensitive areas. You ask permission before uncovering her head. And you leave the room while they disrobe and then try to keep the patient as covered as possible during the exam. Basically, be respectful and if you don’t know how the person feels about something, ask and offer them other options if possible.
