When a male intends to enter the medical field, they are often faced with predicaments involving examining parts of female’s awrah for educational reasons. A few example specialties include obstetrics & gynecology and plastic surgery of the breasts. What is the ruling for this? Is a male seeking medical education excused of this, or is it impermissible? Would the same apply for students shadowing physicians prior to entering the medical field? I’ve seen male Muslim doctors involved in these specialties so I would like to know. OBGYN falls under a core rotation for medical students, for context.
Bismillahi Ta’ala
Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullah
This is a very good question and insha’Allah we will work on writing out a proper response addressing the specific concerns related to students of the field in time.
However, for general understanding revolving the same concern of mahram/non-mahram interaction in medical field, two of our past answers will be beneficial.
Male physician exposure to female genitals, and permissibility of some cosmetic procedures?
Click Here: https://fatwa.ca/male-physician-exposure-female-genitals-permissibility-cosmetic-procedures/
CPR and AED for first responder on a non-Mahram
Click Here: https://fatwa.ca/cpr-and-aed-for-first-responder-on-a-non-mahram/
Wallahu A’lam
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi