In a recent article on Medscape, Dr Harpreet S. Bajaj wrestled with a two-part question:
What to do when patients cite studies that suggest alcohol consumption may have positive effects; and
How to respond to patients' queries into their doctor's drinking habits.
Bajaj felt comfortable both owning up to his own moderate drinking but still advising teetotaling patients to remain dry. This led to animated discussion in the comments on both the questions and Bajaj's responses.
Many respondents had a strong reaction to the question of disclosing personal information. Most saw it as unnecessary or counterproductive.
One gastroenterologist was adamant: "I do not reveal my alcohol consumption, as I do not reveal my DNA profile, my medical history, my age, my IQ, my legal history, my sexual history, my political views, or whether I ever smoked cigarettes."
A primary care physician was also against sharing:
Regardless of approach, I believe there is little benefit in confessing to patients... Advising positive lifestyle changes does not warrant crossing the professional line... Our beliefs and practices should not be a factor in our professional ethics and demeanor.
An ob/gyn agreed: "I am in a professional relationship with a patient, so what could possibly justify their asking or me answering questions about my personal life?"
