You have parsley between your teeth, oh and a pre-cancerous mole on your neck

We get the most interesting Group Therapy questions on Mamamia.  Today’s question comes from medical student Amanda and she asks a very interesting question about crossing boundaries.  Amanda writes..

“There is an issue that I have been wrestling with for a while, I am a fifth year medical student and nearing the end of my degree. I’m at the stage now in my studies where I can reach a diagnosis very quickly simply by observing someone. There have been a few occasions recently where I have been standing behind someone in the line at the supermarket or on the bus, and I have noticed a very suspicious looking mole, or an appearance consistent with a hormonal problem etc.

What am I ethically obligated to do? Will I be invading someone’s privacy if I recommend they see their GP, or would this be welcomed? From a medico-legal point of view, I am not required to say anything, but I would be interested to see what the general consensus about receiving unsolicited medical advice would be?

I guess this can be extended to the situation where someone has parsley in their teeth. Do you want to be told by a complete stranger, or should this just be ignored?”

Personally I love it when someone tells me something about my self that I should know – particularly if I can do something about it.  What about you? Have you ever had someone tell you something unexpected that you did/didn’t want to know?