Many of the skills of general practice lie beyond the remit of mere medical science, though I am always circumspect about giving non-medical advice. “Never criticise a brave until you have walked a mile in his moccasins,” goes the proverb, to which I might add: “Especially if it’s uphill on a hot day, the brave sweats a lot, he has a fungal foot infection and doubtful personal hygiene, and his moccasins are made out of recycled rubber tyres.”

But sometimes we have no choice. …