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?
Top Comments
I think if it came from a stranger in a supermarket line I would probably feel criticised & wouldn't feel I could trust what they're saying because I don't even know them.
However, I would want to be spoken to if it came from someone I actually know - a friend/family member.
Amanda - I'm a GP in QLD, I deal with skin cancer every day and even I (and dermatologists I know) still struggle to accurately pick a melanoma. They are not as easy as you might think. So don't worry about it - there are far too many people out there giving unsolicited advice already. Just enjoy your shopping.