Blog 84 The rectal examination – do as you would be done by
March 1, 2024Recently, I had the unhappy experience of being curled up in the foetal position with my bottom overhanging the edge of the examination couch, whilst the urologist thrust his chunky finger up my anus! Actually, it wasn’t the only price I had to pay for developing the problem that is so common in gentlemen of […] Read more
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Blog 83 The medical student who was not as clever as he thought he was
January 14, 2024Jim was taking the Final Medical School Examination. Pass and he became a doctor; fail and he would remain a student and have to sit the exam all over again in six months time. The most important part of the exam was the bedside assessment of clinical skills. Each candidate was allowed 30 minutes alone […] Read more
Blog 82 Genuine Gratitude
December 28, 2023Charlie was 91 years old and had been widowed some ten years earlier. Determined to retain his independence, he lived alone with his memories. Keeping himself in good shape, he had learned to cook simple meals, had mastered the washing machine and kept his home clean and tidy; he knew that was his wife Marjory […] Read more
Blog 81 Christmas Eve in Hospital past and present
December 17, 2023Hospital life has changed enormously over the last 50 years, no more so than in the way that Christmas is celebrated. In those days a unique seasonal atmosphere developed during Christmas week and for those of us who were fortunate enough to be resident at that time, celebrating Christmas in hospital was a memorable experience. […] Read more
Blog 80 Frustrated love
December 10, 2023Archie was in love and took his beautiful young blond girl friend home to meet his parents. He introduced her to his mother who chatted with her in a decidedly cool and formal manner. After she had left, she took her son on one side. ‘Listen, son,’ she said, ‘please don’t you ever bring a […] Read more
Blog 79 Beware the Hospital Ghost
February 6, 2023At the start of my career when I was relatively new to pathology, the department had two trainees, both studying for their higher national certificates. The more senior was John Adams, the more junior Steve Wilcox. Both were pleasant young men who later qualified to become pathology laboratory technicians. Their training included being on duty […] Read more
Blog 78 The hospital show in days gone by
December 12, 2022A much anticipated event in the hospital calendar in days gone by was the Christmas show. It was a once a year opportunity for the junior doctors and nurses to poke fun at the matron and, of course, the senior doctors. Mostly, the consultants took it in good heart and were disappointed if they did […] Read more
Blog 77 Advice from a medical father
October 17, 2022It was Nat’s 16th birthday. He had received presents and good wishes from his parents, told that ‘No he wasn’t going to be allowed to buy a motor bike’ and was receiving advice from his medical father about the dangers of drugs. ‘Listen, Son,’ said his Dad, ‘if you can come to me on your 18th birthday, […] Read more
Blog 76 Innocence lost
September 25, 2022When I was a child, our next door neighbours were Greg and Mary Stratton. They had a daughter called Heidi who was much the same age as I. Neither of us had brothers or sisters and as a result we spent a lot of time playing together, becoming great friends. Our parents were friends too […] Read more
Blog 75 Journeys in Opposite Directions
July 30, 2022In recent years I’ve started to rise early and go for a run before going to work. The exercise does me good and after a long soak in the shower, I feel invigorated and ready to face whatever challenges await me when I arrive at the surgery. Recently though I’ve moderated my physical activity as […] Read more
