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Practice Makes Perfect
A Tale of Two Testicles
By Pamela Wible, MD |
February 5, 2013
Dr Wible is a family physician born into a family of physicians. She has developed a model for change in healthcare delivery that first asks a community what it wants and needs from the healthcare experience. Her model for the “ideal clinic” is taught in graduate medical curricula.
 Evan, a retired police officer, calls for an urgent appointment. I can hear the angst in his voice.
“Sure Evan, come right over.”
An hour later, he arrives in obvious distress. “I gotta show you something, Doc.” We proceed to the exam room. He pulls his pants down and points to his left testicle. I put on gloves, turn on the exam light, and l lean in real close.
“What’s the problem?” I ask.
“Look, Doc. Can’t you see?”
“What?”
“My left testicle is hanging real low.”
“That’s it? No pain?”
“No pain. But look how low it is!”
I stand up. “Evan, here’s the deal: most people hang lower on the left. In women, the left breast is slightly larger and hangs lower. For men, the left testicle generally hangs lower. So you’re in with the main crowd.”
“I’ve been this way my entire life?”
“Yep. You’re normal.”
Evan smiles. Relieved, he hands me his co-pay and a five-dollar tip. As he leaves, I add, “Just so ya know, most curvy penises also curve to the left.”
Pamela Wible, MD, pioneered the first community-designed ideal medical clinic
in America. She is author of Pet Goats & Pap Smears and writes for The Oregonian.
Contact Dr. Wible.
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Pamela Wible, MD, pioneered the first community-designed ideal medical clinic in America. An expert in patient-centered care, Dr Wible helps citizens design cutting-edge clinics and hospitals nationwide. Her model is taught in medical schools and featured in Harvard School of Public Health's newest edition of Renegotiating Health Care. Dr. Wible is a medical reporter for the Oregonian, has been interviewed by CNN, ABC, CBS, and is a frequent guest on NPR. |
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