How Doctors Can Set Healthy Boundaries With Friends and Family Who Ask You To Work For Free

Jun 17, 2021

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We know that your time is valuable. But, do your friends and family? Setting appropriate and healthy boundaries with family and friends is tough.

You're not a bad person for saying 'No' when someone in your friend group(s) or family asks for free medical advice. You do yourself and the people you serve who do pay for your professional advice a disservice by saying yes all the time. There's a fine line a Physician must walk in these moments.

Don't feel guilty. Just take these tips from experts on etiquette and communication―and a cue from your favorite two-year-old―and say no.

A few months ago, my friend who is a Pediatrician asked me a question. 'How do I say no to people who want me to work for free without hurting the relationship?'

It's a challenging question. When we investigated further, we found this happens to Physicians all the time!

It usually starts with a text or an email like this:

“Hey, sorry to bother you, but real quick ... I need your opinion on something. Can you look at this [...insert issue/or chief complaint here.] It should only take you a few minutes. Is this something serious? Should I be worried? Please help! Ahhh. love you!" [~insert friend or family member name here]

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