Who’d be a psychiatrist? The emotional burden of caring for patients presenting in real distress; trying to negotiate a way forward when dealing with someone with a skewed sense of reality; potentially life and death risk assessments on a daily basis; general lampooning from medical colleagues… No wonder psychiatry’s not such a popular choice among […]
Category: Junior doctors
Helen Barratt: Talking the talk
I wasn’t a bit surprised to read the report cited in this week’s journal about the use of jargon in public health. In fact, I rather wish I’d come up with the idea for the study myself. […]
Helen Barratt: Another round of paperwork
I’ve spent most of the last two weeks compiling paperwork for my ARCP (annual review of competency progression), which replaced the old SpR RITAs [records of in-training assessments] when MMC [Modernising Medical Careers] was implemented. ARCP not only doesn’t roll off the tongue like RITA, but the new process has brought with it even more […]
Helen Barratt: In praise of the NHS
Studying for an MSc in Public Health this year, with students from a range of backgrounds, has been refreshing after years of learning and working with medics. However in classes, ‘doctor bashing’ has been de rigueur. I don’t for one moment claim that we’re above censure, but the criticism levelled at the profession has become […]
Helen Barratt: Testing times
I’m looking forward to yet another May bank holiday weekend revising for exams. In an idle moment the other day, I realised that I’ve been buried behind a pile of books at this time of year for the last sixteen years (give or take a couple), with school exams, then medical school assessments, and now […]
Helen Barratt: Counting the cost
My mother was horrified when she discovered I’d become “one of those people who refuse patients drugs because they’re too expensive.” Barely a week goes by without another story in the media about someone somewhere who has been “denied” a treatment. Usually accompanied by a photo of them with their concerned relatives, the language is […]
Mark Lewis: A wounded survivor
Thank you for all the replies to my last blog – I’ve had a lot of very kind feedback and sympathy from readers. […]
Helen Barratt: An Olympic task
One of the reasons London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics was successful was apparently the detailed health legacy it proposed. As well as the development of new sporting facilities, the aim is to promote greater levels of physical activity right across the country. In London alone, Department of Health statistics suggest that over 65% of […]
Helen Barratt: Public health – sewers and kebabs?
I’ve begun to dread new social situations. Since starting training in public health, I’ve yet to work out a way to succinctly describe what it is I do. When new acquaintances look baffled at mention of primary care trusts, I usually find myself muttering about working in an office for the NHS. Small wonder they […]
Mark Lewis: What to do next?
I celebrated my parents’ 30th wedding anniversary with them at the weekend, which turned out to be a large family and friends affair with many people that I hadn’t seen for many years. Naturally all wanted to know how things are going with my job and what I’m planning to do next. […]