I had just graduated from business school and was looking for my first job. I was pretty naïve and from a small town. This was really my first exposure to the big city. I had some money saved up so I could rent an apartment and I had some nice clothes to wear on interviews.
I had set up several interviews to give myself a good chance to see what was out on the job market. At my level of training and experience there wasn’t much available unfortunately. When I came to my last interview I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted warmly and the interview went well. And, I was amazed when they offered me a job and a higher salary than any I had seen before. Of course I accepted, since I did need a job.
“Now Ms. Johnson, we are a rather eclectic company and do things quite differently than most others. I just want to be sure that you are comfortable with that.”
“Oh yes, Mr. Martin. I feel very comfortable with the company and what I will be doing. I am certain that I will do a good job.”
“Well I am glad to see such a positive attitude. There is one last thing. Sometime in the first two weeks of employment you must have a full physical examination. We have a company doctor on staff if you don’t have your own physician.”
“That won’t be a problem, Mr. Martin.”
“Now, as I said, we tend to do things differently around here. Keep an open mind and work hard and I am sure you’ll do well.”
I thanked him after finding that I would start the following Monday. I was so excited! My first real job and at a salary that I was told I would never get in my first position.
I arrived at work on Monday full of energy and enthusiasm. I worked away and did what I needed to do. I learned as much as I could and made some acquaintances. One of them was a young woman named MaryAnne.
“Rachel, have you taken care of your physical yet?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“I would really suggest that you get it done.”
I looked at her curiously.
“Well, I am new to town and don’t have a doctor yet.”
“Rachel, get your physical done.”
“Is there some kind of problem?”
“Not that I can talk about. Remember the forms you signed? One is a confidentiality form. We can’t talk about certain things. Just get your physical done as soon as you can.”
I nodded and got back to work and soon forgot our conversation. Time flew by and soon the two weeks probation was ending. I got a call Thursday afternoon.
“Rachel, this is Leslie in personnel. I see that you haven’t turned in the physical examination results. We need them by tomorrow.”
“Oh I am sorry, but I haven’t had the time.
“Well, in that case there is an opening tomorrow at 2PM with the company doctor. I’ll put you down for it.”
I noted the time on my calendar and listened further.
“Make sure you drink a lot before the exam since we’ll need a urine specimen.”
I mumbled something and Leslie said goodbye. I hated exams. They were so embarrassing. I assumed by the full physical that it would include a gynecological exam and I hated them. I didn’t feel very comfortable with a stranger seeing me down there even if he was a doctor. But I had to have it done to keep the job and my first week’s pay had just arrived and I was excited. It was more than I ever expected!
On Friday I looked at the calendar and remembered my appointment, grimacing as I thought. Oh well, how bad could it be? I worked through the morning and with lunch, I drank a bottle of water and then another after lunch. Soon it was time for me to go.
MaryAnne looked at me. She grimaced when I stood up.
“Physical, Rachel?”
“Yes.” “Grit your teeth and it’ll soon be over.”
I nodded and headed off to the doctor’s office. When I arrived there was an older nurse. She pointed to the door and I walked into a smaller office. It had a desk with two chairs in front of it and examination table. I shuddered. I really didn’t like those things. I paced for a while, nervously and then sat in a chair. Finally the doctor came in. He sat behind the desk and smiled at me. I tried to smile back.
“Ms. Johnson, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
Well, we have a few questions first before the examination. Is that all right?”
I nodded.
“Are you sexually active?”
“Ah, what does that have to do with this examination?”
“Just answer the question. All the others have.”
I blushed.
“I have had sex, yes.”
My face was hot.
“Do you have sex regularly?”
“Ah, no. My boyfriend isn’t here in the city.”
“How long since you last had sex?”
“I really don’t see what this has to do with my job.”
“Ms. Johnson, this is a standard company questionnaire. All female employees have answered it.”
I lowered my eyes to the floor. I was feeling very humiliated.
“About three weeks.”