Posted on Nov 15, 2026 UTC

Every professional field is constantly changing, and medicine is no exception. Redditor breakport asked, "Doctors who've practiced 30+ years, what was standard when you started that horrifies you now?" Here are some common old medical practices that might shock you.

1.

"I've been practicing for 11+ years now, and I see a lot of older patients who are being treated by younger physicians who are addicted to benzos. Older doctors used to hand them out like candy for 'nerves' or to help with sleep. These elderly patients are now addicted to it, and it has been difficult to get them off it."

2.

"Not giving pain meds to an ER patient with abdominal pain, so as not to 'mask' the symptoms. When I had appendicitis (early 80's), I sat unmedicated (and in agony) in the ER until the total body pain subsided naturally.…