A medical student threatens to involve a senior consultant if their peer doesn't leave to address their alcohol consumption. How appropriate is this action?

The action taken by the medical student can be viewed as appropriate but not ideal, primarily due to the manner in which the situation is approached. While addressing a peer's alcohol consumption is essential for maintaining both personal well-being and safety, threatening to involve a senior consultant introduces an element of coercion that can escalate tension and conflict.

This approach suggests a lack of direct support and understanding, which is crucial in addressing sensitive issues such as substance misuse. Ideally, the medical student would have engaged their peer in a more supportive conversation, encouraging them to seek help without resorting to threats. While the intent behind the action stems from concern for the health and safety of the peer, the execution of that concern through a threat undermines the supportive framework that healthcare professionals should uphold. Hence, the action is recognized as appropriate in terms of addressing a serious issue but falls short of being the best practice in terms of how to motivate change or support a colleague.