Printed from: https://archive.cmf.org.uk/advocacy/faith-in-practice/medical-training/?index=60
'If caring were enough, anyone could be a nurse' read a 1990's American nurse recruitment advertisement. It promoted nursing as an intellectual, science-based profession rather than a caring-based profession. The implication is that caring is no longer valued within our society. But if that really is the case, why...
Introduction Many of my Christian friends at medical school have now lost their faith entirely. Others are not as strong in their faith as they once were. Why should this be? What part does medical training play in the 'derailment' process? This is an issue that desperately needs highlighting among Christian...
The scale of the problem Dr Sandy Macara, chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) Council, has reported that the average graduating medical student leaves with a total debt of £6,758 - nearly twice that of the average student.[1] This figure has been increasing steadily for the last few years and...
My house officer year has been my hardest year ever. I have worked harder and longer and been more tired and bad tempered than ever before. I've wished patients dead, wanted to hit colleagues and considered destroying my bleep on several occasions. More than once, I've thought about giving up...
In planning this article it has been good to reflect on my 12 months as a house-officer. I clearly remember feelings of I'll never survive!' as I contemplated the prospect in my final year, particularly knowing that sleep was towards the top of my list of favourite pastimes. What I...
The scientific basis of Western medicine demands strict adherence to truth, in learning, research, history taking, diagnosis, assessment of results of treatment and performance audit, but in conveying unpalatable truth to patients about their condition opinions differ and practice varies. Problems most readily arise in relation to inoperable malignant disease....
