The exam many doctors dread—but have to master
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
“There is nothing more awkward and weird than the first time doing a DRE. It's not a unique experience. It's something you learn in medical school.” — Karen Zaghiyan, MD, colorectal surgeon.
Find more of your peers' perspectives and insights below.
Every doctor remembers their first digital rectal exam (DRE)—and let’s be honest, it wasn’t a highlight of medical school. Whether it was the awkwardness, the uncertainty, or just not wanting to mess up, the DRE is a clinical skills that many avoid, but absolutely need to master.
Colorectal surgeon Karen Zaghiyan, MD, recently shared a Reel that perfectly captures the universal struggle of learning this essential exam: "Let me tell you, there was nothing more awkward or weird than the first time doing a digital rectal exam... If you're a doctor please commiserate with me on this. It is frankly weird, it is just weird... and the thought of that experience still just gets me."
Why do so many doctors avoid the DRE?
Despite being a low-tech, high-value diagnostic tool, the DRE is often skipped in clinical practice. Why?
Awkwardness – Both doctors and patients feel uncomfortable.
Lack of training – Many medical schools provide limited hands-on teaching.
Downplaying its importance – Some physicians mistakenly believe it’s outdated or unnecessary.
Why mastering it matters
The DRE is quick, non-invasive, and can save lives by detecting:
Prostate cancer
Rectal masses
Neurological deficits
GI bleeding sources
Skipping it means missing critical diagnoses that could alter a patient’s treatment and prognosis, and confident, well-performed DRE is a sign of a skilled physician.
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