I have posted about this ( for a child ) harrowing experience in different contexts, but here is a summary from this perspective. I had serious health issues as a young boy. But, I genuinely confounded medical science of the 1950s. Doctors predicted that I would die in infancy (clearly I didn't!!). Then:that I would never speak (wrong). That I would never be able to stand unaided (wrong). That I would never walk (wrong).
My case clearly came to the attention of an extremely eminent Paediatrician ( Senior Paediatrician in the county - sort of equivalent of a US state, but not as big - where I lived ). I do not doubt that his intervention meant that I grew up to lead a normal life. I saw him twice a year for extremely thorough examinations / assessments between the ages of 7 and 12. During those years I had c.150 physiotherapy sessions (I am sure that the exercise / manipulation programme was undoubtedly developed / devised by him as he occasionally appeared to talk to the physiotherapists and to check my progress.
Because the bones, muscles, tendons, sinews etc of my entire pelvic girdle / hips /lower spine /groin etc had to be monitored very carefully....I was quite often naked, although I was sometimes allowed to wear briefs or skimpy PT shorts. For my actual examinations with the Paediatrician I was always totally naked. Because I was prepubescent and because I got to know the doctor so well, it felt very natural being naked in his presence.
Shortly after my 12th birthday I had my final examination with him. It was in a large hospital where he was the Senior Paediatric Consultant. It was also in the same town where I attended Grammar School. I had been given the afternoon off school, so I was looking forward to having my final examination and getting home earlier than usual. As I was getting dressed after my exam, the doctor told me he had a surprise for me. There certainly was a surprise and not one I could have ever envisaged.
I followed him to a lecture theatre - where he addressed an audience clearly made up of other doctors, paediatricians, paediatric nurses, physiotherapists and medical students. It was very technical. As it went on, it dawned on me that it was all about how to treat children with similar medical conditions as my own. Maybe he had pioneered these procedures as a result of years of treating me.
The lecture ended to rapturous applause. I shall never forget though the feelings of almost abject horror / terror when he announced that anyone present might want to examine me!! Yes, he casually told me to undress and even gently rebuked me when I got down to my vest and pants - shuffling awkwardly onto some PT type mats. I had to get completely naked and allow these 30 or so medics to get me to flex, stretch, manipulate me, chat to me etc. They were all perfectly kind, but I was horribly embarrassed. When it was made clear that I could go...I don't think that I have ever got dressed so fast in my entire life. The year was 1964.