Yes, I wear the Hijab. Yes, I am a Doctor.

No, I am not a patient. Yes, I can hear you. Yes, I can still use my stethoscope. Yes, I can speak English. Yes, I can speak Arabic - you're welcome. I am honoured that you were hoping I would call your name in the waiting room. How can I help? We are the same. Yes, I have changed this hijab and covered it with a surgical balaclava, I am sterile. No, I do not want to wear this sterile green drape over my head in theatre because you think I should. Oh well. Here goes. I'm from Sydney, thanks! Yes, I am Australian. Accept me. Yes, I am supposed to be in the drugs room. Here is my ID. Again. No, I will not take my hijab off for the interview. Please turn off the TV in the staff tearoom. It's really upsetting me. I don't want to...
Source: Medical Humanities - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Poetry and Prose Source Type: research