An OBGYN Went Viral For Asking Women To Redesign His Office

Dr. Ryan Stewart is a urogynecologist in Indiana at the Midwest Center for Pelvic Health. He recently asked Twitter for the things they would change when visiting their gynecologist’s office.

The thread went viral and Dr. Stewart has over 3,000 replies helping him design his new office. We found the best of the best answers — and believe you me, I nodded along to each one.

1. Represent

2. TVs

3. Piiiiink

4. Paper Gown

5. Done changing

6. BMI

7. It’s cold

8. Face away!

9. Speculum size

10. Painkillers

11. Consider

Please consider:
– not asking the patient if an intern can be in the room in the presence of the intern- it's hard to say no in front of them
– not changing practitioner between the time of appt. and the actual appt. expecting the patient to be comfortable with someone else
1/2

— Kimberly Cooper Griffin – Lost Harbor is out now! (@KCooperGriffin) December 6, 2021

12. Out of earshot

No one should ever have to discuss any aspect of their care with anyone (I’m thinking nurse, receptionist) within earshot of other patients. Also, patients should not be able to listen to phone calls or dictation. You wouldn’t believe the things I’ve heard while sitting.

— Dr.Erin-a coffee appreciation account (@macdoin) December 5, 2021

13. Screen for abuse

make screening for depression, domestic abuse, human trafficking, anxiety and PPD a normal part of your exam practice. my normal doc screens at every physical for depression, its just normal. Check in on emotional effects of birth control

— Andrea (@peopleareatrip1) December 6, 2021

14. Overwhelming

Acknowledgement that sexual trauma histories can make exams psychologically overwhelming for many. I’d feel safer if it wasn’t dismissed as “everyone needs these exams, it’s no big deal.” It is a big deal! Empathy would help in improving our sense of safety & reducing avoidance.

— karabear (@karabear_1) December 5, 2021

15. Let us dress

https://twitter.com/davieledgerwood/status/1467558451731705859?s=20

16. Handicap Friendly

Find women who are wheelchair/cane/walker/prosthetic users, and ask them what they need most. Wider hallways, exam tables that actually DO lower, more than one bathroom that is fully handicap friendly BY HANDICAP USERS CHECKLIST- not some random contractor. Furniture where a 1

— @[email protected] (@HTTOrganizers) December 5, 2021