Dr Amir Khan, a GP known for appearances on ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, has shared five things patients should not be ashamed to discuss with their doctor. In a recent TikTok clip, he reassured viewers that he never judges and wants to hear the full facts so he can help properly.
Opening the video, Dr Khan said: "Guys, here are things that people don't tell me as their GP because they think I might judge them or be disappointed in them. Well, let me take that worry off your plate - I'm never disappointed. I never judge."
Stopping medication and affordability
First on his list is telling your GP if you have stopped taking a prescribed or advised medication. "Tell me, I need to know," he said. "Perhaps you have side effects, perhaps you were worried about having side effects, perhaps remembering to take it every day was harder than you expected it to be."
He added: "I don't mind. Just tell me, honestly, because if I think you're taking it and it isn't helping, we could end up changing your whole treatment plan based on the wrong information."
Dr Khan also urged patients to speak up if they cannot afford a treatment, saying: "This is really common." He explained that costs can include prescription charges, transport to appointments, or food recommended to help manage a long-term condition. "If you can't do it, you can't do it. That's absolutely fine. Tell me what's manageable and we will make a plan we can actually use around you," he said.
Understanding and honesty
The GP acknowledged that medical conversations can involve "an entirely unnecessary amount of jargon and vocab." He said: "We try our best, and sometimes, I'm sure I explain things badly, that is just what can happen. But that's my fault. So you can say 'Amir, I absolutely have no idea what you're talking about. Could you tell me again, please?' And you won't be the first person to say that."
He also addressed the use of alcohol, drugs, or other people's tablets, stressing the importance of telling him for safety reasons. "These things can affect your health and interact with any treatment I want to suggest," he said. "So I need to know so I can help you safely. Not gonna judge. I'm really not. You just deserve care, whatever you're struggling with."
Sharing your fears
Finally, Dr Khan encouraged patients to share what they think the problem might be, even if they fear the worst. He gave an example of someone coming in about a headache but worrying it could be a brain tumour. "Tell me that. Tell me what you're worried about, because I could explain my assessment and still leave you carrying the very fear you came in with because we haven't addressed your fears," he said.
Concluding, he said: "So remember, when you come into a doctor's appointment, I don't need to be impressed. Just tell me what you need to tell me. I will not judge. I will only do my best to look after you. I promise."
