Is It Okay to Engage a Professional outside in The General Public?

johndowy on 28/12/2018 - 21:15
Last edited 29/12/2018 - 08:06 by 1 other user

A quick question/ looking for peoples opinions.

I am a professional that offers a service to people. Now, I go to the shops and run into some of my clients. I say hi just to be polite and they start to ask me questions relating to my profession. Do you think it is correct for people to be asking these questions outside of the office?

Some examples:

1 Doctor - patient asks for some advice for a hurt back
2 Teacher - parents ask how the child is doing in class
3 Real estate agent - client asks for a hot tip
4 Builder - client asks for a quote
5 Gardener - client asks to book an appointment
6 Guy at bunnings - gets asked how much a tap costs and where what aisle to find it in

Poll Options

  • 104
    Yes, it is okay to ask for advice
  • 148
    No, it is not okay to ask for advice
Education & Work

Comments

  • brokenglish on 28/12/2018 - 21:57
    +49

    I think if you have to ask this question it means you're not comfortable being asked this kind of questions outside your office/working hours.
    Everyone will have different opinion and it's not going to change yours.
    There are situations where it's appropriate/inappropriate depending on your profession and how close you are to each client.
    Example if I am very close and enjoy talking to a client then I will talk. If I think a client is trying to take advantage of me outside consultation hours so they do not have to pay then I will ignore and tell them to make an appointment.

    You should change your question to: How to ignore/send away clients who approach me when I want to be alone in public after working hours.
    Putting your actual profession would help.

    • poboy on 29/12/2018 - 09:47
      +1

      Agree. Just deflect the question like movie stars, either with a blanket general statement or with humour or with a we'll wait and see or even a, in a hurry now give me a buzz and we can discuss.

    • CCDee on 30/12/2018 - 23:17
      +9

      EQ level over 9000

  • [Deactivated] on 28/12/2018 - 22:09
    +8

    It doesn't really matter what job you do, Doctor, lawyer, plumber, cleaner. People are going to ask you for free advice. My wife is a social worker with DCP and hates people asking for advice about their estranged partner, child custody/maintence payments, but it happens all the time.

    • secondstory on 30/12/2018 - 20:26
      +33

      Also, if you work in IT you become the on-call IT support for friends and family. They also want your advice whenever they want to buy anything new which turns into blame if the device/service has any issues which becomes more support. They also want a website.

      • sep1 on 30/12/2018 - 21:34
        +2

        I get the website one all the time and usually refer them to wordpress.com and when the questions come I say that I don't personally use wordpress and they already know more about it than I do.

        • Baa on 30/12/2018 - 22:25
          +1

          I love it even more when family and friends refer me onto other randoms that they know, or distant family members who never speak to me.

          I am always happy to spend a few mins for advice, but it is never that. People call as they want you to fix it.

          I work as a software consultant, so no it is not 'just like what I do for work'. I just happen to be good with computers.

      • serpserpserp on 31/12/2018 - 09:37
        +6

        I haven't worked in I.T for 12 years and I still get people calling me up asking to troubleshoot their stuff on the spot. Like equipment or networking issues that I have never even come across. Then the first snag you run into they are like "Come on, I thought you were good with computers" rolls eyes.

        • ldt on 31/12/2018 - 22:11

          Yep, I get this all the time. I often get asked things like “What’s the best router to get for my home?”
          I have no idea I don’t work with routers at work and have very little interest finding what the best one is in my spare time.

  • Some Human on 28/12/2018 - 22:21
    +11

    Just tell them, “if I answer that, I’ll have to charge you.”

    • sep1 on 30/12/2018 - 21:34
      +5

      "I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you"

      • blitz on 31/12/2018 - 10:05
        +11

        "I could teach you, but I'd have to charge"

        • Wallyt99 on 31/12/2018 - 11:52
          +2

          "My milkshake brings all the boys to the barn"

    • TheUsername on 31/12/2018 - 21:56
      -2

      "I could tell you, but then I'd have to care"

  • WreckTangle on 28/12/2018 - 22:36

    Leave them alone

  • bluesky on 28/12/2018 - 22:57
    +39

    I respect different people will have different opinions on this. If it were me, as a professional, I would welcome that - it is a great way to build rapport with clients. Maybe engage for a short while (a couple minutes). And if the matter gets more complex, it gives the opportunity for you to say you have to go, and why don't the person come see you during work hours, to look into the issue at greater depth. You might net some professional work out of it :-)

    I generally believe that being nice, which others might interpret as being a sucker, can sometimes net more in the long run. It is just things that can't be quantify, like goodwill, or client willing to recommend you to others etc.

    Of course, I personally will not ask anything work-related with professionals whom I see. Just being considerate about their time etc.

    • fossilfuel on 29/12/2018 - 00:52
      +7

      Agree, curiousity about your personal professional career is fine. Anything related to the client's problems, I would tell them that an appointment could be organised at a later time to discuss such matters and I would get back to them during work hours, regardless of it being a small or large problem.

      I know for psychologists and counsellors, we tend not to say hi to our clients even if we notice them first in the public. I really hope most people don't see us as being assholes. We do so for confidentiality reasons. Some clients don't want others to know that they're seeking help for mental health issues. If clients approach us first, then we definitely will say hi and stay for a chat.

    • Randxyz123 on 29/12/2018 - 10:58
      +1

      This.

      For a doctor, sure, a quick 30-second question (xyz pain pill might help your back) anything else most would tell you to come into the office.

    • compacc on 30/12/2018 - 20:00
      +5

      The problem comes (if you're a health professional) when you don't do a proper consult but a quick "probably just a hangover mate, have some panadol" or whatever. If you're wrong you can be sued, doesn't matter if the consultation was outside of a professional environment. It could even be that the "patient" didn't give you all the info. In a clinical setting you might have more opportunity to ask probing questions and find out that they actually fell off a ladder at Christmas. Or in a professional setting you may have more opportunity to ask personal questions whereas you don't think they'll want to be asked when they last had an STI check up when you're in aisle 7. Even at uni we had visits from professional indemnity insurers and they would always tell us never to engage at a family barbie, or online fora, in the shops etc.

      • bluesky on 30/12/2018 - 20:26

        Yeah, as others have pointed out, constraints based on profession also guide if any advice is appropriate.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/01/2019 - 18:58
      +1

      Hi, bluesky!

      I was wondering if I could ask you about the etiquette of posting comments in certain threads? I was thinking about posting a reply to PattyThePanda, suggesting to her that Panda faces may well benefit from a dark mode, accounting for the very overdone eye-makeup? 🐼 <ーemoji represents da Panda, and Avril Lavigne, circa 2004. #squadgoals #emotional Also saw terrible thread variously and falsely claiming that Jaguars aren't reliable. Comment? Report entire thread to Mods? What to do?!

      Thanks! ;-)

      • bluesky on 04/01/2019 - 19:47
        +1

        Who? Me? [Turning head and looking around]
        Pretty sure most would not mind and even welcome a little friendly banter. Not much risk, post away!
        (Disclaimer: Opinion my own, could be unreliable) :-)

  • jamesblake2908 on 28/12/2018 - 23:48
    +5

    I think questions of a general nature are okay, but if it's something very specific or technical then start billing

    • Ghost47 on 30/12/2018 - 21:42
      +1

      I agree. Or if the conversation just keeps going then it's a bit too much.

  • pegaxs on 29/12/2018 - 08:13
    +4

    7 Mechanic - Diagnostic work/questions on a car you’ve never seen
    8 Casino Dealer - how do I win? Where are the murder rooms?

    The list goes on. But I think so long as the questions are general and quick to answer in nature, sure, no problem. If they want something from you that would usually cost money, then just be polite and say, “sorry, I’m a bit busy, if you call the office, we can schedule an appointment…”

    I don’t think people are seeking something for free, most people are just trying to strike up conversation and the only common thing they can think of off the top of their head is your job…

    And your Bunnings example is bad, because they don’t even know most of the time.

    • johndowy on 29/12/2018 - 11:23

      The point of the Bunnings example was to say that almost everyone could end up in this situation.

      • Seedy seed on 03/01/2019 - 21:02

        I get asked where stuff is in aldo bunnings ect. Feel sorry for the guy who looks like a shop assistant 😂

    • [Deactivated] on 29/12/2018 - 15:15
      +3

      9 Locksmith - can you copy this key for me that says "do not copy". I hate it when that happens .

      • pegaxs on 29/12/2018 - 17:32
        +1

        9 Locksmith - Have you got like, one of them skeleton keys that just opens everything? Can you cut me one?

        • [Deactivated] on 29/12/2018 - 17:34
          +1

          I hate that one also 🙄

        • Seedy seed on 03/01/2019 - 21:03

          Is that a real thing????

          • pegaxs on 03/01/2019 - 23:09

            @Seedy seed: The getting asked about it or there being such a thing as a skeleton key???

            A) being asked about these magical keys: Yes. All the time. “Have you got, like a key that just opens everything?”. Yes, it’s called skill, knowledge and tools.

            B) Does this magical unicorn, one key opens all actually exist?: Yeah, they sell them at Bunnings. It’s called a hammer, drill and battery grinder…

            • Seedy seed on 03/01/2019 - 23:21

              @pegaxs: Everything i knew said that cant be true 😂 just figured id ask

      • dazweeja on 31/12/2018 - 16:48
        +1

        GUY IN CHAIR: Who are you and how did you get in here?

        DET. FRANK DREBIN: I’m a locksmith… and I’m a locksmith.

        • pegaxs on 03/01/2019 - 23:11
          +1

          As a locksmith, my favourite dad joke is…

          “Will you need the key to get in?”
          “I’m a locksmith, Wadda you think?”
          Or
          “No thanks, I bought my own…”

  • try2bhelpful on 29/12/2018 - 08:41
    +2

    Polite conversation, say you have to rush off somewhere but say if you book an appointment we can get to the bottom of the issue.

  • foolsgold on 29/12/2018 - 09:16
    +2

    I'm not sure where your leading to with this question.
    Is it that your not going to be able to charge for that time? Or are you worried about the liability from giving out the information.

    If I have some one who hasn't engaged me ask general questions like at a party, I give information general in nature and always prefix it with I would have to look it to provide you with reliable information or something a long the lines of that.

    I don't not provide information because I can't charge for it. But the information is general. My findings are that people will remember and come back positive and engage me for services.

    The only warning I would have is that, and I would believe its true for many professional industries, that if someone has reasonably relied upon the information I provided and can prove that they acted upon it, and it was wrong, I could be found liable. Of course its very unlikely but.

    An example, I went to a Christmas Party, spoke to an accountant I just met, we ended up chatting about different strategies, I walked away was impressed with what he was saying and have engaged him. Had he not wanted to speak about work I wouldn't of spoken about it.

    • johndowy on 29/12/2018 - 11:58

      I'm okay with talking to new people about my profession like your example at a Christmas Party. I do like to educate people and possibly get new clients.

      But it's the current clients who ask for opinions, review, options, updates on the go (just because I'm available) outside appointments that I am wondering about.

      • secondstory on 30/12/2018 - 20:54

        If you respond to specific questions in your expertise you are also passing up the possibility of income. For this reason if it's small and something they probably won't pay for your service and you think it will display your ability then a little advertising won't hurt.

        But I've had my fair share of people "using" me so that they don't have to pay or because they are too lazy themselves to look something up so I think it's pretty scummy for them to ask. Especially when I mentally dub they're inner voices as something like "oh I don't want to pay, I'll just ask so-and-so to do it again. They do it all the time for their job so it should be easy. And if they say no I'll go around and complain to everyone and say how rude it was for them to decline while pretending to be nice about it. The nerve! I mean it's not hurting them to just help me". Ahem. It's like acquaintance initiated mates-rates.

        In the case of the gardener a customer appointment might be appreciated.

        In the case of bunnings a simple "not sure" when not on duty shouldn't hurt if you don't feel up to it.

        In the case of teacher, the child is what forms the relationship so small talk seems kinda normal unless it's like a hover parent being annoying. That's just annoying but you probably don't want to make them upset with you.

        The real estate people I know would love the very idea of someone who even vaguely interested in either looking to buy or sell. In fact they would jump on the opportunity to try and convince them to do so and then try to get comissions.

  • barbarella on 29/12/2018 - 09:25

    Imagine the poor gynaecologist trying to do the weekly shopping at Coles… :/

    • Islund on 29/12/2018 - 09:42
      +5

      My cousin became a vegetarian a few months after becoming a gynaecologist - I wonder is it was the meat counter at Coles?

  • Clear on 29/12/2018 - 09:38
    +4

    Absolutely you should but there are boundaries. If I was a doctor and someone in the street said they have a bad back I would go "That looks serious, you should make an appointment to get that properly checked out".

  • original15 on 29/12/2018 - 10:58

    going to depend on the professions imo - which one are you OP?
    also depending on the profession I would expect some professionals not to take the first step in acknowledging the client/person..

  • Randxyz123 on 29/12/2018 - 10:59

    6 Guy at bunnings - gets asked how much a tap costs and where what aisle to find it in

    Not sure what this means. are saying what if you run into someone who works at your local bunnings at the supermarket?

    • johndowy on 29/12/2018 - 11:14
      -1

      I usually go to bunnings most weekends and see the same guy working there. We've gotten to know each other fairly well given the amount of time I spend there.

      What I meant was, if I ran into him on the streets and I was thinking of buying of going to another hardware shop to buy a new tap, would it be okay for me to ask him what price taps they have at bunnings even though he is not working at that time?

      • CandyMan on 29/12/2018 - 13:48
        +5

        I thought this is about professionals

  • Donaldhump on 29/12/2018 - 11:11
    +2

    Outdoor hookers are ok

    • johndowy on 29/12/2018 - 12:00
      +1

      Outdoor hookers who proposition guys late night are okay, at night.

      But if you met that hooker outside of Coles doing her shopping during the middle of the day, would you ask her for a quote on the latest newest fetish going around?

      • Toons on 29/12/2018 - 12:39

        lol is this the actual question?……………..

      • Donaldhump on 29/12/2018 - 12:39
        +3

        No because my wife would be with me

        but you should should ask a comedian how to detect jokes and sarcasm

  • chumlee on 29/12/2018 - 11:17
    +1

    If i saw my wife's gynaecologist at the supermarket i wouldn't ask any questions

    • Wallyt99 on 31/12/2018 - 14:39
      +2

      "can you just look into this?"

  • AdosHouse on 29/12/2018 - 12:33

    No, I don't want to talk to people from work when I'm not being paid too, so I extend the same courtesy to others. A simple hi is okay if you're friendly.

    • johndowy on 29/12/2018 - 13:12

      But do you agree that people these days tend to expect more for nothing?

      Fees might not have changed but people want better service, more availability, be able to answer a phone call at 8pm and 7am.

      • AdosHouse on 29/12/2018 - 14:01
        +4

        Definitely, a lot of people expect something/more for nothing.

        An example is a conversation I had with a customer once. She wanted to know why there are no 24 hour bulk-billing doctors around this area. I said well if they were 24 hours, they would need to charge more than the bulk billing fee. She thought that was ridiculous.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/12/2018 - 13:57
    +2

    The assumption should be, if you see someone who charges for their service outside of their work environment, it is not work hours and the service doesn't become free.

    When I bump into patients and get asked for advice specific to my profession, I just say I don't feel comfortable giving advice without their file handy.

    Ie. If someone asks me if their GP's prescription is ideal, I'd definitely parrot my scripted answer. If they're asking about footcream or supplements, I don't mind as I don't think the advice is any more valuable than that of the salesperson.

    • leiiv on 30/12/2018 - 21:50

      What if it is a non-personal matter such as "what do you think of the method A vs method B effectiveness in curing XXX", "what is the state of art of XXX", etc?

      • ccrap on 01/01/2019 - 21:43
        +1

        That’s pretty simple. Everyone knows ‘state of the art of XXX’ is pornhub…

  • [Deactivated] on 29/12/2018 - 15:17
    +2

    I bumped into my local Senior Sargeant and wanted to discuss my bail conditions with him. He was more than happy to. His wife and kids didn't mind either.

  • Masterpupil on 29/12/2018 - 15:47
    +2

    Frequent problem. I am not sure why people do not understand that outside of working hours, it is highly impolite to ask for professional advice.
    Friends, yes, but unless you know that person on a personal level, its terribly rude.
    I do not even acknowledge clients in public, usually just give them a nod.

    • [Deactivated] on 29/12/2018 - 20:15

      Imagine a gynaecologist asking their patients about their infections in public.

      If that's a no go, the reverse is also true.

  • [Deactivated] on 30/12/2018 - 19:16

    It may not be, with any malice or intent to bother you or harass the 'professional'.
    ie. The client/patient may see it as more than just a monetary exchange for professional services. Likewise, the 'professional' might be really into what they are doing and be not thinking of the monetary compensation for their services and may be quite happy and willing to assist while not at work.
    Really depends on the individual 'professional' and what they do or don't want and are or are not, happy with. Patient/client should attempt to gage this, and act accordingly. In that if a 'professional' clearly does not want to assist unless their getting paid, and/or unless it is in their workplace, then leave them be. If they seem very happy to assist and keen to help outside of hours, then ac5 accordingly.
    Don't judge them for either choice to assist or not

    • HighAndDry on 09/01/2019 - 10:17

      The client/patient may see it as more than just a monetary exchange for professional services.

      What, like the professional might want their friendship? If anyone is ever at risk of this misconception let me make this painfully clear - thanks but we don't.

      • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2019 - 11:04

        What, like the professional might want their friendship?

        No, why would you take such an interpretation that anyone wants to be your friend ?

        let me make this painfully clear - thanks but we don't.

        "we don't ? And what 'professional' are you claiming to be ?
        And whom made you the voice of all 'professionals' ? Very bizarre that you should self appoint yourself as the voice of all professionals and make such a bold (yet ignorant) statement "let me make this painfully clear - thanks but we don't.

        I doubt that you would understand, but some people, including 'professionals' are just normal and decent people, and some decent people do things for reasons other than money. Some also love helping others and do so any chance they get. But I really doubt your ability to understand this, and I am not here to educate you :)

        • HighAndDry on 09/01/2019 - 11:29

          The client/patient may see it as more than just a monetary exchange for professional services.

          What else is there? The client sure isn't helping the professional by asking for free advice on the street.

          Some also love helping others and do so any chance they get.

          Of course they do. That's (part of) why Drs get into medicine to begin with, for example. But a professional isn't able to provide decent services out in public, so stop being cheap and trying to justify harassing people on the street for free advice.

  • Zondor on 30/12/2018 - 19:57

    Depends on the profession and if you are liable etc if they do something wrong.

  • saine on 30/12/2018 - 20:18
    +2

    I'm a teacher. I've had parents do U-turns and pull over to talk to me about their child as I walk home.

    We are in a world where people expect instant results and answers. This translates to higher levels of anxiety and people feeling uncomfortable with uncertainty. It's not just that they dont want to wait for business hours, it's more compelling than that. That's what I see in students, anyway.

  • Weezle on 30/12/2018 - 20:22

    I work in banking and am more than happy to talk to my family/friends about my job and answer their questions!

  • bmerigan on 30/12/2018 - 21:36

    From your list of scenarios I have varying answers. I think it depends on how long it takes to answer.
    Doctor - no. It would be a lengthy conversation.
    Teacher - no problem. It's a 1 sentence question and a 1 sentence answer.

    • lightcn on 31/12/2018 - 00:43
      +3

      As a teacher, it's usually not just 1 question and a 1 sentence answer. They often ask how their kid is doing and then what else can they can do at home? Then it also becomes a competition as they ask where their kids are in comparison to others. Then if you're really on a roll, you get the grandparents who ask the same questions the next day if they happen to pickup the kids at school….

      And what's more annoying, is that parents don't really care about anything other than the results. So we give them the advice and they tend to do nothing about it. As a professional, we give them the advice and it's not until the end of the year until they finally realise that teachers do know what they're talking about and that we aren't just making up bs. It's a struggle sometimes. Stress levels can get quite high.

      • HighAndDry on 09/01/2019 - 10:19
        -1

        Learn to say no and/or deflect.

  • GalaxySkater58 on 30/12/2018 - 21:40
    +4

    Try being a cop…

    Well I got a ticket for xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. How can that be?
    My neighbour is doing xxxx, what should I do?
    My uncle's neighbour's from 40 years ago cousins dog's sister's owner is a cop, do you know them?
    Can you explain xxx law?
    <insert recent police related controversy>, WHAT IS YOUR OPINION?
    What's your quota?
    How corrupt are you?
    I got a ticket for nothing!
    'It wasn't me!!!!'
    'She did it!!'
    Will I get in trouble for defending myself with a lead pipe?

    etc etc etc.

    • leiiv on 30/12/2018 - 21:54

      That means we all need to be reminded: NEVER TALK TO THE COPS

      • GalaxySkater58 on 30/12/2018 - 22:51
        +2

        I know you're saying that to be facetious, but believe me, it would make my day if people didn't speak to cops 😂😂. No work is best work.

        • h4zey on 31/12/2018 - 09:06
          -1

          just tell them to go back to where they came from

    • htc on 31/12/2018 - 10:45

      lol

  • Mrbean007 on 30/12/2018 - 22:02
    +1

    Just tell them to ask Google.

  • Protato on 30/12/2018 - 22:31
    +1

    It's against AHPRA professional standards for doctors to give any medical advice outside work.

    • MessyG on 31/12/2018 - 09:28
      +1

      And yet we pay our insurers independently of our hospital cover, to cover just that!

  • darkchoc on 30/12/2018 - 22:32
    +1

    Most professions have a code of conduct that the professional has to abide even including a casual conversation. That's why a lawyer, doctor etc will not and should not give you anything that can be construed as advice in the instance it was not complete and then you may sue them.

    A sole practitioner running their own business will has an inventive to grow their business and would be warm to clients and prospective clients. Building up Goodwill builds up clients, whatever field they operate in.

    It sounds like you are an employee that wants to limit your work in your working hours. It also sounds like you are not necessarily in a professional environment that has consequences for "bad" or "incomplete" advice.

    So in your situation, I'd keep it friendly and brief. Invite them to call you on Monday/next working day as you can give them a complete answer then.

  • geoffs87 on 30/12/2018 - 22:46
    +1

    You know what, I think it’s all silly. If you love what you do, you should love discussing it! Nothing hurts to have a quick chat with people in public, but it can’t hurt to say hey, we can certainly discuss this further, let’s make an appointment to chat “it’s my job after all…”

  • eldudebrothers on 31/12/2018 - 00:28
    +2

    As a GP, I don't mind answering simple questions but I hate it when cornered into personal clinical queries in a public domain. In general, I will not give advice unless I have performed a proper history and examination, something inappropriate to do in public. Nevertheless, I run into patients very frequently and nearly every single time they just say hello and engage in a brief chat, which is completely ok.

  • This Guy on 31/12/2018 - 02:55

    If you are a 'professional' you have a 'duty of care'.

    Providing technical advice at the supermarket is a great way to f*** over your clients by giving them half arsed information.

    "I would love to help you professionally. Let me check my schedule."

    Book an appointment, make money and be covered by your professional liability insurance.

    For my enjoyment:

    1 Doctor - patient asks for some advice for a hurt back

    I need to look at this properly. Please come by my office.

    2 Teacher - parents ask how the child is doing in class

    [Honest response] - Parent Teacher hours are out of school hours so you are saving your own time.

    3 Real estate agent - client asks for a hot tip

    Come by the office [day] and we will take a look at your situation properly.

    4 Builder - client asks for a quote

    Awesome, I can be around [day]. Because I value you as a client I want to do this properly. I want to work out the best outcome for you.

    5 Gardener - client asks to book an appointment

    Sure, is [day] ok?

    6 Guy at bunnings - gets asked how much a tap costs and where what aisle to find it in

    $10.45. Isle 45. If you go to our [next suburb over] store it's in isle 37. Our [next next suburb over] store stocks it in isle 12. Do you need me to write this down or would you like my private mobile number?

    It sounds like you are retail though, so 'I would love to chat about work but it's my day off and I have plans. I will be back in on [day]' should keep you from getting fired.

    • lysp on 31/12/2018 - 18:27
      +2

      I'm not sure why you were down-voted, but these seem like a reasonable response.

      Essentially what it boils down to is - "Come by the office and we'll discuss it further."

      • This Guy on 03/01/2019 - 18:12

        I was mean to retail workers as it's not a profession. But it is an honest, often underpaid job.

  • harrywwc on 31/12/2018 - 06:15
    +2

    a friend of mine (Medical Doctor) said that he often had people come up to him - especially in church. So he tells them what he usually does "disrobe and go and lie over there and I will attend to you shortly".

    Usually they get the hint ;)

    AFAIK no one has stripped off in the middle of the church :)

  • smpantsonfire on 31/12/2018 - 09:02
    +1

    I think the doctor one would be a no, however 30 seconds for each of the other ones is fine.

  • h4zey on 31/12/2018 - 09:05

    if you are a gynecologist and was introduced to a nice chick who then ask for your opinion, what would you do then?

    • try2bhelpful on 31/12/2018 - 09:36
      +1

      Look at the cloaca but you will need to get the feathers out of the way first.

      • ShannonN on 31/12/2018 - 10:36

        A cloaca is not present in placental mammals

        • try2bhelpful on 31/12/2018 - 15:02
          +2

          "introduced to a nice chick". Hence my comment.

  • McFly on 31/12/2018 - 09:22

    Didn't work out well for Hugh Grant, so no.

  • MessyG on 31/12/2018 - 09:27
    +2

    Doctor here - I frequently get asked things way outside my specialty and in spite of me saying that it's well outside my area of expertise, people seem to persist. Usually I tell them to see their GP, which falls on deaf ears, then I tell them I'll give advice as a friend, advice is usually see GP, or if I'm very comfortable with the question being asked I'll give an answer - and then qualify it with see GP. If I'm told they don't like their GP, my advice is find a new GP. It really does come down to what you're comfortable with. You also have to be prepared for that advice to come back and bite you so you need to make sure you cover yourself.

    When I was very junior a mentor told me once, to have a lawyer on one shoulder and ACA on the other, and to listen to both of them.

    In answer to your question of, is it correct? Probably not but people are people, they're going to do it anyway.

    What gets me is the huge volumes of unqualified people around the traps flogging snake oil or telling people to rub herbs into their fungating ulcer or take coffee enema's for cancer, seemingly without any care for the ramifications if the patient has a terrible complication and wants to sue them over it. That day is coming for a lot of b***shit artists I think.

    • McFly on 31/12/2018 - 10:05

      b***shit

      Great to see you are sensitive to our Hindu friends! :p

      • MessyG on 31/12/2018 - 16:03
        +1

        That's an impressive leap you've made there!

        • HighAndDry on 09/01/2019 - 10:22

          I think it's because you censored the "bull" part but left the "shit" part uncensored haha.

  • Plug on 31/12/2018 - 10:28

    In which line of work are you?

  • Bills22 on 31/12/2018 - 10:55

    No, it's my day off and I'm engaged with private matters. I would definitely engage in a general conversation. However, for any advice that is professional etc. come by the office please.

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