A viral video clip circulating on social media has reignited a longstanding debate over gender in medicine, specifically, whether men should serve as gynecologists.
The discussion took a deeply personal turn when a Black woman appeared on camera, sharing a troubling experience she had as a 19-year-old patient with a male OBGYN.
“I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to 100% agree with that statement,” the woman said in response to a group of women declaring, “Men should not be gynecologists.”
Though she was careful to say she meant “no disrespect” to male OBGYNs in general, the woman recounted a deeply uncomfortable appointment with a male doctor that left a lasting impact. While undergoing a Pap smear, she said the physician was “humming and cracking jokes” during the procedure.
“I’m laying there like… this man is down there humming. Cracking jokes. I’m 19 at the time so I have no idea how to handle it,” she said. “At this age, maybe now I would have said something — but then I was just frozen.”
She concluded emphatically:
“Sir, oh okay, so you’re really enjoying your job today. Never ever again.”
A Broader Discussion on Gender and Trust in Healthcare
The video has resonated with thousands of women, especially women of color, who often face additional vulnerability and bias in medical settings. The clip has sparked heated discussion across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
While many online users applauded the woman’s candor, others pushed back, warning against gender-based generalizations that could overshadow the professional integrity of many male doctors.
Experts note that patient comfort, informed consent, and bedside manner are critical factors in gynecological care — and that medical professionals must be attuned to both verbal and non-verbal cues of discomfort. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), all patients have the right to request a provider of a specific gender if it makes them feel safer or more respected.
An Ongoing Call for Trauma-Informed Care
The video adds to a growing body of public testimonies calling for trauma-informed, culturally competent healthcare, especially in fields where patients are in vulnerable physical and emotional states.
“This isn’t just about gender,” said one commenter on Instagram. “It’s about how safe patients feel when they’re most exposed. That story is proof we still have work to do.”
Medical institutions are increasingly implementing sensitivity training and protocols for patient dignity, but for many, lived experience remains the most powerful testimony.
The viral moment has served as a reminder that for some patients, a provider’s gender is not just a preference — it’s a boundary shaped by past experiences and personal safety.
As of today, the woman’s original video has garnered over 2 million views, amplifying the conversation about how medicine must continue to evolve — not just in technique, but in empathy.
