What are some careers in the medical field without direct patient contact?

I was wondering whether this suggestion from another, of how to contact a teacher I once had is alright (OK)?

• (The detail below is long, so you may want to be patient reading it.) On a couple of occasions, I’ve mentioned to my careers coach (advisor, who used to be a teacher himself) about looking to/considering trying to make contact with this former teacher. (who was a good and nice teacher) I've said to him that in late 2008 after several weeks of careful consideration, I tried the electoral roll in this state and interstate and later searched social networking sites like facebook and myspace. (I myself had an experience in 2007 where a group of people I unfortunately know sent me a letter, yet they didn't mention how they knew my address, or which of them wrote on the envelope and sent it to me). Anyway, I asked, if perhaps his wife (who works in a unrelated administration role in the education department) may be able to suggest or do anything about looking to find (make contact) with this teacher I had. He replied, although his wife probably couldn‘t help me, that I could try sending them an e-mail, to their work e-mail address. I responded saying: “but then if I did that, I would or could be asked,” “well how did you come to know (have) my e-mail address?” He replied: “Don't worry about it, your not breaking any (kind of) privacy.” It is assumable; it's alright for him to say, as he wouldn't be the one considering it. Besides, it would be their work address for e-mail (assumable for work related matters only) I've always endeavoured to be mindful of their privacy. I respect the teacher I had, and don't want to make a bad impression, nor do the wrong thing. I just wondered what others think. Apart from that, My CC previously mentioned, to consider writing a letter to the Education Department and include my details, which they have the choice of perhaps passing on, and notifying them of. (I’ve stated, I would not feel comfortable asking for their details, wouldn't want to, and I’d rather compromise my own privacy, and I am realistic.) Surprisingly at the end of the last day of school for that year (and that teacher only taught there for one year) , they offered and handed out a post it note to each of the students in my class from that year with their name and contact (telephone) details on it. I was too shy to ever attempt to call and for a while or little while anyway I kept that note before I later on disposed of it, as I felt I couldn't overcome my shyness to call.

• Answer:

  It might seem odd to him that you've made so much effort to track him down. Etiquette wise it's an invasion of his privacy. Of course, if there's a really important reason, then it's totally OK. If it's not urgent, why not send an email or letter to the secretary of your last school and ask him or her to pass it on to him?