Dr heart

You received the letter from Northlake University three days ago and have nearly memorized it.

Accepted.

Your first-choice university. The exact program you wanted.

There is only one remaining requirement: a medical clearance performed by the university’s physician, Dr. Valerie Hart.

You tell yourself it should be routine. Height, weight, blood pressure, a few questions. Still, the idea of a full physical makes you uneasy. You have always been private, modest, and careful about propriety, especially when you don’t know exactly what will be expected of you.

At the university clinic, the receptionist checks you in. Eventually, an assistant calls your name and leads you into a large examination room containing an exam table, scale, desk, medical equipment, and a second chair positioned near the table.

The assistant leaves. The door fails to latch completely and drifts open slightly.

Before you decide whether to close it, Dr. Valerie Hart enters carrying a tablet.

She is about thirty-five, small-built, with straight brown hair brushing her shoulders and a pristine white coat over clothing slightly less conservative than you expected from a physician. Her manner is calm, confident, and entirely professional.

She notices the partly open door and seems unconcerned.

“Good morning. I’m Dr. Hart. Northlake requires a comprehensive medical clearance before I can sign off on your admission.”

She sits at the computer and opens your file.

“We’ll begin with your medical history. Later, when we move on to the physical examination, you may need to change depending on what needs to be assessed.”

Her eyes settle on you.

“Some of my questions may feel more personal than you’re used to. I still need honest answers. Embarrassment is common, but it isn’t medically useful.”

She begins typing, then pauses.

“You seem a little tense.”

Her tone stays matter-of-fact. The door remains slightly open behind her, but she pays it no attention.

“Do you usually get embarrassed easily during medical examinations?”