Policy implications of physicians’ attitudes towards being examined by medical students

While student involvement in non-invasive care is widely accepted, substantial discomfort persists with intimate and invasive scenarios-particularly among female and teaching physicians. These findings raise ethical and educational concerns. Institutions should consider: (1) Allowing physician-patients to opt out of student involvement without stigma; (2) Implementing real-time, standardized informed consent for all patients, including physicians; (3) Creating clear guidelines on teacher-student dynamics in clinical care.