DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a retired clinical physician. Despite my retirement, I still have friends and even minor acquaintances who call, text or email me about problems that fall into my specialty.

One of the reasons I retired is because I am burned out on providing health care. Also, as I no longer have an office, I can’t really provide an examination, procedure or other follow-up.

How do I politely let them know that they should seek counsel elsewhere, and that I no longer wish to give out medical advice?

GENTLE READER: By prescribing another doctor: “I’m not keeping up with the field, but Dr. Tenderheart could help you.”

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.