While observing a patient on attachment, they tell you about some adverse side effects they are having to one of their tablets, while the doctor has nipped out of the room. They ask if it would be okay to stop taking them, what should you do?

You should advise the patient that you are only a medical student and so are therefore not qualified to give medical advice as of yet and suggest they tell the doctor about their symptoms when they return, as they will be able to provide advice. If you were to do so, this may worsen their condition.

The GMC Good Medical Practice (2013) guidelines state that we must not act outwith our own competency therefore to advise the patient on their treatment when you are not a qualified medical professional would be unethical and so this must not be done under any circumstances.