Is It OK for Your Doctor to Hug You?

I would appreciate a hug from any doctor who I have seen for a while, one who gave me serious news, one who finds me in tears, one who has treated me through a surgery or serious illness. I would not want one from a doctor I had just met. I want to know my doc cares about "me". Also, I live alone so the comfort of touch is missing in my life.

I know being doctor can be a very stressful and lonely profession, so if they need a hug, why not?

The neurologist who diagnosed me with MS looked so sad when he told me my diagnosis. He hugged me when he left and I felt so comforted by it. It's funny because I felt relief to find out what was wrong that I almost felt like I was comforting the doctor for having to deliver the news! Anyway, I like being treated as a person, not a number.

Yes, can you and the doctor not feel a sincere hug?
With all the world’s problems and MS problems I refuse to let a hug or not hug be an issue.
I will take a genuine hug any day and from anyone.
If you are offended then do not return. It is not complicated.

I think most Dr’s know which patient are in need of a hug. I think compassion is one thing this world needs. Patients with a diseased body go through much. Myself I am living with 4 diseases in my body. My Dr is a believer in Jesus Christ and that means everything to me. We both do understand that I can be healed, but we also know that the Lord gives knowledge to the doctors and medications that can also be of help to their patients. It takes all of us working together to live our best life and know that we all can make a difference in this world by the way we treat each other. We are a very blessed people!

Pamela

MS hug.

My neurologist has hugged me at every single visit I've ever had with her. We speak completely frankly and she's very reassuring. Her diminutive size reminds me of a hug from my mom. Always makes me feel better.

I absolutely find it ok for an MD to hug after asking persmission. I am a nurse and ask my parients, after we build a rapport if I may hug them. Most people say, "Yes, please!" and "Thank you. I needed that!" Part of being a "care giver" is being human and patients appreciate the compassion. You can usually tell by body language whether the person is open and comfortable but you should always ask.

I have heaps of cuddles from my GP. She has been there with me thru a large number of set backs eg; bad relapses. This lady is my Doctor but also a friend, for which I'm honored to have her in my life. She's available 24/7 whenever I need her. I don't ring, I just wait for an acceptable time & text her.

I always shake hands at the beginning and end of every appointment, but there are some doctors, and nurses, whom I always hug instead. I have never had a doctor initiate a hug, but when I do, they are gladly receptive. You can usually tell when, and whom, it's ok to approach. What's more important than that is trust. I implicitly trust my care team and they empower me to be an active member of that team. Mutual care and respect is the foundation of any good relationship and it's paramount when dealing with serious illnesses like MS.

"No because doctors are largely white males?" I am not a doctor hugger unless initiated by the doctor, which is rarely. However, their race and sex are the very last thing on my mind.

It's obviously a subjective matter.
The moment will guide the outcome.
Karen

My last 3 appointments (i am female) my male doctor has hugged me multiple times.
Not quick hugs either but proper "i really care about you" hugs.
I love the fact he cares and he gives lots of eye contact and small touches of the arm etc if im upset

Nothing wrong with it in my opinion. We are all human.