BMJ  2007;334:58 (13 January), doi:10.1136/bmj.39086.919051.1F

Letters

Careers advice

Paper is essential reading for the tall and beautiful

My heartfelt thanks to Trilla et al for publishing their novel research.¹ I was within a whisker of dedicating myself to a specialty that I would not be suited to. I had thought that my analytical mind and desire to understand the patient holistically might have made me a physician. However being dashedly handsome and standing proudly at 1.85 m, I discover that I am wholly unsuited to my intended path.

I am queasy around blood, faint at the sight of retractors, cannot use a knife and fork, nor tie my own shoe laces. I am allergic to scrubs, terrified of taking consent, and more clumsy than any evolved primate should ever be. Should I be a surgeon? Some would say I am overqualified.

Flummoxed, I find myself with three viable options. At present I hope that late nights and early ward rounds might take their toll. Although they will certainly wizen my looks, to hope that they make me shorter are far fetched. I am not sure that surgery is ready for me yet. The career of film star, however, remains a distinct possibility.

¹ Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester GL1 3NN Rhys-Thomas@doctors.org.uk

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Competing interests: None declared.

References

1. Trilla A, Aymerich M, Lacy AM, Bertran MJ. Phenotypic differences between male physicians, surgeons, and film stars: comparative study. BMJ 2006;333:1291-3. (23 December.)[Abstract/Free Full Text]

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Relevant Article

Phenotypic differences between male physicians, surgeons, and film stars: comparative study

Antoni Trilla, Marta Aymerich, Antonio M Lacy, and Maria J Bertran
BMJ 2006 333: 1291-1293. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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