After some bitter sweet experiences I made few guiding principles for consulting n interacting with my extended family n friends.
1)My standard response to every innocuous consultation request from friends/family is I will tell my staff to call you n schedule an appointment..1/n

pls don't pay but let's keep the process professional. "Ask my staff" and not ask them to call is to show my commitment to consult. The process is more satisfying for both sides, I have observed better compliance to treatment as well 2/n

2) When people are persistent to see it then and there, I reason it out that I see I am here to relax just like you and this is work for me. I don't think this set up gives your condition the respect or the respect to you as a patient or me as a dermatologist 3/n

3) For consultations outside my speciality I politely decline n refer best known specialist as most often these are free 2nd opinions which even if consulted come with zero compliance, end up confusing the patient and definitely are disrespectful to treating physician. 4/n

Of Course there are members in family who genuinely trust your clinical acumen but you know their motivations well and build exceptions 5/n

4) Invariably in a gathering someone talks about the corporatization of healthcare or how doctors are corrupt, I politely announce that I find such discussion offensive. You may please continue after I leave, for now let's talk about something else (Ah the Bangalore weather!) 6/n

This is after multiple heartburns ..I realized that people have strong anchored opinions about malpractice and such opinions seldom change but can cost you a relationship 7/n

Ofcourse there are Drs in my friend circle who give instant consults scribbled down on nearest avlble piece of paper or debate on medical ethics, I am sure it works for them n makes them happy. What works for you please share (N) #MedTwitter

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