Doctors Share the Weirdest Consults They Never Expected

Being a doctor is a calling — and apparently, also a lifelong membership to an involuntary, on-demand consultation service. Whether you're at a family wedding, in a public restroom, or just minding your own business at the supermarket, if someone knows you're a doctor, you're fair game.
In this lighthearted yet eye-opening piece, we explore the bizarre, awkward, sometimes hilarious, and occasionally inappropriate situations where physicians have been approached for “just a quick opinion.” But beneath the humor lies a more serious undercurrent — one that reveals blurred boundaries, misunderstood ethics, and the challenges of being seen as a doctor all the time, everywhere.

The Airport Security Check-Up

One physician shared how, during a routine pat-down at airport security, the agent leaned in and casually asked,
"By the way, I’ve had this weird mole on my back… can I show you real quick?"

Suddenly, you’re no longer concerned about your belt or laptop. You’re performing a dermatological assessment — without gloves, proper lighting, or even basic privacy. Welcome to Terminal MD.

In the Middle of a Wedding Toast

There you are, glass of champagne in hand, listening to heartfelt words from the best man. Suddenly, a cousin leans in and whispers:
"Hey, sorry, but can you look at my mom’s swollen ankle before the dancing starts?"

Because clearly, no wedding is complete without an orthopedic consult in heels and formalwear. And somehow, you’re now doing a focused musculoskeletal exam next to the champagne tower.

On a Plane — Mid-Flight, Of Course

We've all heard the dramatic announcement:
"Is there a doctor on board?"

In emergencies, stepping up is instinctive. But what about when you're quietly trying to catch up on sleep and the passenger next to you says:
"I didn’t want to alert the crew, but I’ve had chest tightness since takeoff. What do you think it is?"

Spoiler alert: it’s never just indigestion, and your in-flight meal just got colder.

Gym Locker Rooms and Saunas

Post-workout endorphins are fading. You're toweling off when someone across the locker room starts making eye contact — that kind of awkward, purposeful eye contact.

"Sorry to interrupt, but can you look at this rash on my thigh? I think it might be fungal."

You barely got your heart rate down and now you're staring at someone else's skin lesions... in a sauna. Hygiene? Not exactly optimal.

Supermarkets and Checkouts

A general practitioner described a moment of grocery-shopping serenity — until someone in line behind her said:
"Hey, aren’t you Dr. S? I’ve had this chronic cough. Think I need antibiotics?"

Because of course, antibiotics are best prescribed between the apples and the peanut butter. Don’t mind the absence of auscultation or differential diagnosis — the self-checkout is now the new outpatient clinic.

Religious Services and Places of Worship

Right before an internist stepped up to lead a prayer, they were approached with:
"Quick question — my dad’s memory has been slipping. He keeps repeating himself. Should we be worried?"

This was not during clinic hours. This was moments before a solemn religious service. Can we let divinity take the mic before launching into geriatrics?

On Vacation — Especially on the Beach

A pediatrician relaxing on a beach holiday in Egypt described the scene:

"I was lying on a sun lounger, wearing a swimsuit and enjoying a well-deserved break, when a family approached with a toddler wrapped in towels. They asked if I had a thermometer and could take a quick look because the child had a fever."

Naturally, because everyone brings a stethoscope and an otoscope to the seaside. Sunscreen: check. Medical degree: check.

Social Media DMs at 2 AM

One of the more modern forms of boundary-crossing comes digitally:

"Hi Doc, I know it’s late and we only met once at that conference, but could you tell me if this bleeding is normal?"

Attached: a photo that makes you wish you'd just muted all notifications. Midnight DMs don’t count as telemedicine — but they do count as sleep sabotage.

Family Gatherings and Forced Consults

This classic never gets old — or any less intrusive. Instead of enjoying dessert, you end up conducting a rotating clinic featuring:

• Auntie’s varicose veins
  
  
• Uncle’s “sugar levels”
  
  
• Cousin’s fertility woes
  
  
• Grandma’s blood pressure

Oh, and don’t expect any gratitude beyond, “You’re such a blessing.” Free consult, no follow-up, and certainly no peace.

Public Bathrooms and Changing Rooms

Possibly one of the most uncomfortable encounters:

"Hey, I saw you on that health panel last month. I know this is weird, but would you mind checking a lump I found?"

In the bathroom. While washing your hands. Yes, we would mind. Very much.

During Dates or Social Events

An emergency medicine doctor shared their experience:
"First dates are always a bit awkward, but things took a turn when she started describing her bowel movements in detail — over appetizers."

Nothing kills the mood quite like a case discussion on irritable bowel syndrome during the starter course.

Weddings, Funerals, Baby Showers — Nothing’s Sacred

Doctors have been approached in all kinds of settings, including the emotionally charged. One recounted:

"At a funeral wake, someone showed me an MRI image on their phone and asked me to interpret it."

Grieving and grey matter. Dignity, meet digital diagnostics.

Why Do People Do This?

There’s a deeper issue at play here, beyond the quirky anecdotes. Several cultural and systemic factors contribute to this blurred boundary:

• Many individuals face barriers to accessing healthcare and see informal channels as easier or faster.
  
  
• There’s a widespread belief that being a doctor means you’re always on call — a kind of professional omnipresence.
  
  
• The legal, ethical, and logistical realities of practicing medicine are poorly understood by the public.
  
  
• “Just a quick question” seems harmless, but it's often far more complex and risky than it appears.

For most people, asking a doctor friend or acquaintance something medical doesn’t feel like crossing a line — because they don’t see the invisible structure that medical care requires.

The Ethical Grey Zone: Should Doctors Engage or Decline?

It’s a tough balance. While doctors want to be helpful, engaging in casual consults outside a clinical setting carries real risks:

• No proper documentation
  
  
• No safe or sterile environment
  
  
• No legal safeguards
  
  
• No ability to follow up
  
  
• High chance of misjudgment or liability

Many physicians now adopt a respectful, protective stance, saying something like:
"I’m really happy to talk, but I can’t give advice without a proper consultation — I’d hate to misguide you."

It’s a kind way to establish boundaries — protecting both the doctor and the person asking.

Tips for Doctors Facing These Situations

• Set expectations early: Even with friends and family, clarify that medical advice requires the right setting.
  
  
• Prepare a friendly script: “I’d really recommend a proper check-up — I’d hate to guess without the full picture.”
  
  
• Redirect responsibly: “This sounds important — your GP or specialist should take a closer look.”
  
  
• Never diagnose via photos: Especially not over social media or text. It's risky, unprofessional, and often legally problematic.
  
  
• Guard your downtime: You’re allowed to be off-duty — and that’s not selfish. It’s essential.

Final Thoughts: You’re a Doctor, Not a 24/7 Hotline

Being a physician is an incredible privilege — one that brings admiration, trust, and responsibility. But that doesn’t mean you owe your expertise around the clock, or in every random setting imaginable.

Your skills deserve respect. Your time deserves boundaries. And your personal space deserves just that — to be personal.

So the next time someone says, “Can I just show you this real quick?”, remember:

Being kind doesn’t require being constantly available. You’re a doctor, yes — but you’re also human.

And no, the checkout line still isn’t a clinic.