Having a full physical exam can be an intimidating and awkward experience under the best of conditions.

Patients’ lack of knowledge about what’s proper in an exam can leave patients even more vulnerable.

A yearlong investigation by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has uncovered a broken system that fails to adequately protect patients nationwide from sexually abusive doctors. To help patients protect themselves, the AJC offers the protocols so you’ll know what you should expect in a normal exam.

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com