Compared to many Caucasians my age I look young. Many Orientals do look much younger than their Caucasians counterpart for the same age. Well, untill around 50, then there is that sudden plunge. Then the appearance of aging seems to accelerate to an diabolical speed…
Well, many of my patients find it hard to believe I am a consultant when they first see me. When I first started as a consultant, I noticed it straightaway. I asked my wife if I should shave less often; that might make me look a bit older. She just laughed.
Not so long ago, I was doing a clinic, looking rather clean shaven. One of the elderly patients I saw for followup gave a gentle pinch on my face, telling her husband how lovely I was, just before she left the room. I was stunted. Yes by all means appreciate me, but please I am not a baby! I wasn’t so much upset as embarassed.
Not too long after, in the very same clinic, another elderly patient rubbed her hand on my recently cut hair, again mentioning to the clinic nurse and her relatives she thought I wa a lovely doctor, before she walked out. Embarassed again.
I do try to be nice to patients, but I seriously do not try to be cute. Esp not as an oncologist. I don’t mind the appreciation, but somehow those “adoring” gestures seem a bit lacking in respect. Despite the age gap, afterall, I am still your consultant….
Hmm.. maybe I should stop shaving for several weeks…
oh my this is so funny, i cant stop laughing but really, i understand where u are coming from.
im asian and going to be 22 soon but i look so young compared to my other caucasians counterparts..and some of the patients dont believe im a medical student!
but i guess i shld appreciate that i will look younger when im older haha..
take it with a pinch of salt. not all your patients do that, & if you think about it, it’s endearing that they can be so at ease with you.
but yes, by all means, grow more hair!!
Yes, a pinch of salt of course. Like zzzyun said it was actually funny, but as you get older sometimes things like this feel less funny. Embarassed as I was, I wasn’t offended, in fact those gestures probably made me feel happy about myself. Wait till I am really old and wishing to look younger!!