Respect doctors
From Mmc
Sir, It was Robert Louis Stevenson who described doctors as possessing the attributes of cheerfulness and courage. Sadly, neither has been in evidence in the medical profession of late. All but the most senior of consultants are fearful of the consequences of airing their concerns about the quality of patient care and the leaders of our institutions have been too timid to challenge government policy robustly.
How exhilarating to read the courageous criticisms by Dr Caldwell and his colleagues (letter, August 1) of the Department of Health over the handling of medical training. There can be no doubt that those responsible must be held to account; after all, by not consulting, not listening and by their arrogance they have surely failed by a large margin the medico-legal definition of competence.
The best training in medicine is to serve an apprenticeship with doctors whom one respects and with whom one wishes to work. How else do young doctors learn the art of medicine, which underpins the doctor-patient relationship? So let us have a little more courage, perhaps even a little anarchy, in defending all that is good in medicine from those determined to diminish professionalism, so that cheerfulness, so important in tending the sick, can return to the wards of our hospitals.
DR ANTHONY TOFT
Consultant physician and past President, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
