Handedness and its Impact on a Career in Medicine

Abstract

Abstract Left-handedness in a world of right lateral bias can be an invisible barrier both in every-day life as well as in medical career development, and throughout a medical career. Common every-day life actions, including screwing in lightbulbs, inserting a screw, or any action that requires a clockwise rotation, is designed for “righties,” making life for “lefties” a challenge. Other examples include writing without a slant, or without smudging. In medicine, the physical examination of a patient is taught using the right hand and standing on the right side of the patient, an awkward situation for left handers. Another major concern in medicine, specifically, is handwriting—notoriously poor in lefties—impacting legibility in progress notes, prescriptions, and medical records. In surgery and other procedural specialties in particular, using instruments intended for right-handed individuals, including suturing and positioning at the operating room table, presents left-handed individuals with particular challenges. Left-handed medical students and residents are especially vulnerable, as they may feel uncomfortable requesting special accommodations for their “handedness.” The significance and impact of handedness often goes unrecognized, yet it may play a substantial role in career choices: the difficulties of being left-handed may dissuade students from pursuing their desired career. Solutions are available, including using instruments designed for left-handers (or learning to use “righty” instruments), and positioning at the operating room or procedure table as preferred by the left-handed individual. These solutions often require a cooperative attitude by colleagues. The authors describe the significance of handedness, including their own personal experiences, and offer some solutions for left-handed individuals who struggle to adapt to a right-handed world.