Intended for healthcare professionals

Soundings

Be yourself

BMJ 1997; 314 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.314.7094.1629 (Published 31 May 1997) Cite this as: BMJ 1997;314:1629
  1. Liam Farrell, general practitioner
  1. Crossmaglen, County Armagh Armagh

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    The consultation was as sticky as a jammy doughnut superglued to a testy porcupine.

    “Don't patronise me,” she said, “I've been to university; I've got letters after my name as well.”

    “Indeed, ma'am,” I replied, a little devil making me pat her on the head to goad her even further, “But it's getting them before your name that really counts.”

    You see, in my part of Ireland we don't have Lords or Ladies or Earls or Barons; the only way to get a title is to become a doctor, and the title brings with it both pride and certain privileges. …

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