Standing in line at a local fast-dining establishment in my small town, I noticed something on the back of the ear of the older gentleman in front of me. I debated a bit before pointing it out to him but ultimately decided to do so. Surprised to be approached by a stranger he was, nonetheless, appreciative of my concern as he had not noticed anything was amiss. I believe the dermatologist acted appropriately in directing the woman to see her physician as he did not diagnose nor offer medical advice but merely encouraged her to see her doctor. Maybe he was functioning as a physician or maybe he was reacting as one concerned individual to another.
5
If true, a good ending. But really, in a darkened theater he could see the the back of the neck of the person in front of him clearly enough to stare at it all evening? whatever. But it is a good reminder here at the end of the summer to get regular exams by a dermatologist.
3
....find the doctor and thank him...!
4
The healing arts.
4
Good advice, good ending, but NOT how i think it should be done, to be frank. I originally proposed asking consent before giving an unsolicited medical opinion:
J Med Philos. 1985 May;10(2):147-62.
Unsolicited medical opinion.
Ratzan RM.
By virtue of their professional ethics as healers and because of their
specialized technical knowledge and clinical experience in assessing and reacting to real and potential emergencies, physicians have an obligation to offer an unsolicited medical opinion when the following conditions are met: (1) physicians assess a high probability of potentially serious disease in a stranger because of information presented to them, either in the form of a communication or physical signs; (2) physicians judge this information to be latent (not readily interpretable as potentially dangerous by the stranger) and likely to remain latent prior to the onset of symptoms; (3) the physicians possess the medical knowledge appropriate to the professional interpretation of this information. Although not a morally risk-free endeavor (invasion of privacy and the potential creation of a 'sick role' whether or not the diagnosis is correct), offering an unsolicited medical opinion under the above conditions can prevent suffering and save lives in unsuspecting strangers.
PMID: 4009080
i view it as a gift, and one accompanied, once consent is given, by an explanation as to why and what in lay terms. I have done this many times usually for acromegaly.
Thanks, MWB!
J Med Philos. 1985 May;10(2):147-62.
Unsolicited medical opinion.
Ratzan RM.
By virtue of their professional ethics as healers and because of their
specialized technical knowledge and clinical experience in assessing and reacting to real and potential emergencies, physicians have an obligation to offer an unsolicited medical opinion when the following conditions are met: (1) physicians assess a high probability of potentially serious disease in a stranger because of information presented to them, either in the form of a communication or physical signs; (2) physicians judge this information to be latent (not readily interpretable as potentially dangerous by the stranger) and likely to remain latent prior to the onset of symptoms; (3) the physicians possess the medical knowledge appropriate to the professional interpretation of this information. Although not a morally risk-free endeavor (invasion of privacy and the potential creation of a 'sick role' whether or not the diagnosis is correct), offering an unsolicited medical opinion under the above conditions can prevent suffering and save lives in unsuspecting strangers.
PMID: 4009080
i view it as a gift, and one accompanied, once consent is given, by an explanation as to why and what in lay terms. I have done this many times usually for acromegaly.
Thanks, MWB!
1
The dermatologist didn't offer a diagnosis, which I agree would have been inappropriate. He just suggested the writer consult a doctor. A similar thing happened to me while waiting in line to pick up a takeout meal. I have a noticeable birthmark on my neck and a man asked me if I had ever had a doctor look at it. I told him that I had, and it was just a birthmark, but I appreciated his kindly intent.
10
This kind heroism calls for some theatre-related tribute, doesn't it?
Tune of I’ve Got You under My Skin
I had you watching my skin
I had you there, watching out for me
When I got it checked, they removed any doubt for me
‘Cause I had you watching my skin
Thank god you were watching my back
Thank god you were sitting back there and thought to speak to me
The kind of kindness you showed seemed so unique to me
I’m glad you were watching my back
If I hadn’t have happened to see that play
I’d have just gone on unaware
It turned out I found out that I’ll be okay
Because you decided to care
Don’t you know, doctor pal, this isn’t just spin
I say this emphatically
You’re the tops Hippocratic-ally
You’re so good and kind, brought such peace of mind
That I don’t know how to begin
Except I thank you for saving my skin
‘Cause I had you watching my skin.
Tune of I’ve Got You under My Skin
I had you watching my skin
I had you there, watching out for me
When I got it checked, they removed any doubt for me
‘Cause I had you watching my skin
Thank god you were watching my back
Thank god you were sitting back there and thought to speak to me
The kind of kindness you showed seemed so unique to me
I’m glad you were watching my back
If I hadn’t have happened to see that play
I’d have just gone on unaware
It turned out I found out that I’ll be okay
Because you decided to care
Don’t you know, doctor pal, this isn’t just spin
I say this emphatically
You’re the tops Hippocratic-ally
You’re so good and kind, brought such peace of mind
That I don’t know how to begin
Except I thank you for saving my skin
‘Cause I had you watching my skin.
21
Probably a variation on "my main squeeze " an old expression for boyfriend/ girl friend or husband / wife.
1
What the heck is "my squeeze"? I must be more out of it than I know.
1
It means "my significant other" or "the person I hug."
4
Oh my squeeze, I love him so
He is my beau
He's the one with whom I share
Hope and despair.
When we're in each other's arms
And hold on tight
All is right.
So who cares what word I use
What word I use.
When he's here, I've got my cure for the blues.
Yes, I call him my main squeeze
I know he's
Forever more!
(can be sung to tune of "My Man")
He is my beau
He's the one with whom I share
Hope and despair.
When we're in each other's arms
And hold on tight
All is right.
So who cares what word I use
What word I use.
When he's here, I've got my cure for the blues.
Yes, I call him my main squeeze
I know he's
Forever more!
(can be sung to tune of "My Man")
9
I believe that a "squeeze" is a romantic interest, a significant other. I'm assuming, since way back in HS we used to refer to our girlfriends as our "main squeeze".
You are correct, unless we are very young, we are all way out of it.
You are correct, unless we are very young, we are all way out of it.
1
So happy for you! However he might have introduced himself, at least by occupation, to prevent confusion. Thank goodness his wife did.
8
Wish there were an Isabelle Stephenson Tony award for most considerate audience member. What a terrific story of humanity. Thank you for sharing it.
30
Another life saved by the arts!
51
To Jerry Staff, are you by any chance the student-paper theatre critic from Brooklyn College in the late 1970's? If so, I'm an old classmate Fred Landau; if you (or actually, if anyone posting on here) feel like getting in touch, the aol address is FJL1960.
That's a great catch - very good to hear.
25