"I am not bothered about anything else."
Dr Amir Khan has advised patients to stop apologising for things they may feel embarrassed about during GP appointments.
The NHS doctor, who regularly appears on ITV’s This Morning, shared a list of things he does not care about when treating patients.
In a video, he said patients should not worry about their appearance, emotions, medication knowledge or how long they have waited before seeking medical advice.
Dr Amir also stressed that patients should feel able to discuss anything that may be affecting their health, even if they find it difficult or embarrassing to talk about.
He captioned the video: “Team, honestly, no need to apologise, it’s literally why I’m here!”
‘Sorry, I haven’t shaved’
Dr Amir Khan said he does not care whether patients have shaved their legs or think their “toenails look a mess”.
He explained that his priority is being able to properly examine the issue they have come to discuss and provide appropriate guidance or a referral.
He joked that he has “seen hairy legs before” and said the same applies to intimate examinations if a patient has not shaved.
Dr Amir said: “Please, you’re having a medical examination; I am not bothered about anything else.”
‘Sorry, I’ve gained weight’
Dr Amir also urged patients not to apologise if they have gained weight.
He said that if weight gain is concerning a patient, they can discuss it with their GP and explore possible reasons if they are not already clear.
‘Sorry, I can’t stop crying’
According to Dr Amir Khan, patients should not feel the need to apologise if they become emotional during an appointment.
He said: “If you need to cry, cry.”
‘Sorry, I’ve forgotten the name of one of my tablets’
Dr Amir said patients should not apologise for forgetting the name of a medication they take.
He reassured: “I’ve got a computer, I can look it up.”
‘Sorry to waste your time’
He also told patients not to worry that they are wasting their GP’s time by making an appointment.
“Please don’t say things like I’m sorry to waste your time.”
“If something is worrying you enough that you’ve come to make an appointment to come and see me, that’s what I’m here for.”
‘This is really embarrassing, doctor’
Dr Amir said patients should not assume that something is too embarrassing to tell their GP.
He said: “I promise you that whatever you’re about to tell me, there is a very, very, good chance that I’ve heard it before.
“Bodies bleed, they leak, they smell, they make noises at deeply inconvenient moments. They grow lumps and rashes and hairs in places you’re not expecting.
“That’s what being human is all about. So you don’t need to apologise for any of it”.
‘Sorry, I didn’t come in sooner’
Dr Amir also reassured patients who have delayed seeking medical advice that they do not need to apologise.
He said that while someone may have been frightened, hoped the problem would “go away” or had simply found that “life got in the way”, the important thing is that they have now sought help.
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According to Dr Amir, his main concern is making sure patients feel comfortable enough to be honest about what is happening with their health.
He added: “The only thing that I care about is that you feel able to tell me what’s really going on.
“Because the thing you might be embarrassed about might actually be really important, and I can’t help something you feel ashamed to tell me.
“So, come as you are, cry if you need to, don’t shave anything on my account, and please stop apologising for just being a patient. You’re not an inconvenience; you’re literally the reason why I’m here.”
