Comments on: “Please wash your hands, Dr. Benabio”

By: jenna oakley

jenna oakley — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:57:23 +0000

While studying Aged Care in Australia I used a hand held device that detected bacteria on my hands.
Can you tell me the name or have any knowledge on this device?
Regards, Jenna Oakley

By: Aim

Aim — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 01:48:05 +0000

From the patient perspective, coming in while still drying with a paper towel is good. I have one doctor who fairly regularly does just that (and uses the towel to open the door) and I never even noticed it until reading this triggered the “oh yeah, Dr. ___ does that” visual. Subconsciously, I’m quite sure I register it and think that the Dr. just washed his hands.

I think it’s a smart move for a multitude of reasons, and instills a level of confidence.

By: Judy Paley

Judy Paley — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:06:45 +0000

I often meet my patients at the waiting room with hands still slightly wet from washing (not intentional, just paper toweling off on the fly). I say “Sorry, just washed my hands and they’re still a bit wet. Don’t worry, it’s only water!”

By: Julie Boekers

Julie Boekers — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:36:01 +0000

Dear Dr.,
A lady who runs a boutique that sells soaps/creams told me that grapeseed oil is the best thing for your face/body. I bought some at wholefoods and use it on my face/body. It does not seem to absorb well on my face and later in the day I have to put on more because my face still seems dry. I am 46 yrs old. Any comments?

By: Ami

Ami — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 03:55:23 +0000

I was also going to say I feel wierd asking and have never done it.

I never really thought about the rapport. If this helps, the ped talks and takes down the history first, then washes his hands in preparation for the exam. It doesn’t seem too wierd or impolite or anything. Just part of the routine.

By: Dr. Benabio

Dr. Benabio — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 02:35:52 +0000

Jenstew- Thanks for stopping by and for the thoughtful comment. The main problem with it in my exam rooms is that I have to completely turn my back to the patient to wash my hands, which isn’t the best way to build rapport.

By: Dr. Benabio

Dr. Benabio — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 02:33:37 +0000

Ami- It’s probably the number one thing that doctors can do to reduce transmitting diseases, such as MRSA.

By: Jenstew

Jenstew — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:52:35 +0000

I always see articles in health magazines saying that you should ask your MD to wash their hands in front of you. Don’t take it personally. The media has people so scared of hospital infections that it makes it hard to trust anyone. All of my doctors wash their hands in the exam room and it does make me feel better. Not to mention it gives us a good 20 seconds of small talk time, which is comforting as well. Maybe you could start washing your hands in the exam rooms and look at it as your opportunity to demonstrate good hygiene:)

By: Ami

Ami — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:44:24 +0000

Our pediatrician washes his hands in the examining room.

Asking your doctor or nurse to wash their hands is advice I’ve seen in magazines and in the hospital where I had my youngest. (Which is also the closest to the pediatrician.)