“GAMMS”: - Go away, male medical student

Acronym applies to both sexes

You may have noticed the acronym can be applied to either sex. This is because, in my experience, the husband or partner is often more active in refusing a medical student than the woman patient herself. Recently I experienced this kind of rejection first hand: a midwife introduced me to a couple in advanced labour. I attempted my usual rapport building conversation, and when the midwife asked the million dollar question—“May he observe the birth?”— the husband shouted “No!” I felt like reminding him I was actually standing right in front of him, and that he did not need to shout, but instead I fled as the baby decided to crown. I was terrified that I had spoiled their birth experience and felt guilty that my request had provoked such a strong reaction.

Currently only 0.2% of newly qualified male doctors are choosing obstetrics and gynaecology as their chosen clinical specialty, and as 90% of UK registrars did their training outside the United Kingdom1 fresh British male input is sorely needed. …