Conduct unbecoming

“Struck off the Medical Register.” The image of a Dickensian clerk ferociously wielding a quill pen still persists, even though the General Medical Council now inflicts “erasure” on medical miscreants instead. The thought of someone wielding a W H Smith rubber is somehow less forceful.

Doctors in the Dock examines the cases of seven doctors who have fallen foul of the GMC. Their various forms of misconduct have one thing in common: all attracted the attention of the media. According to the producers, this series allows the doctors themselves to give their side of the story and members of the public the chance to make up their own minds. By coincidence, no doubt a complete surprise to the producers, it also make very watchable television.

The first programme examines the case of Nicholas Siddle, who was erased from the register earlier this year. Mr Siddle was found guilty of serious professional misconduct. In particular he misconducted laparoscopies. …