How to drive away teenagers

I was 14 when I met the doctor who left me resolved never to see another GP for the rest of my days. Of course, eventually I not only saw GPs, but became one. I have never forgotten this fateful consultation, however, and I think that it shaped the way that I deal with that particularly difficult group, teenagers.

There were three of us children, aged 14, 11, and 8. We lived pretty rural lives and my mother knew what was what, so she was not particularly upset when we all had worms. However, in order to be treated, she was told by a dragon receptionist that we had to see the doctor. This was quite an event, as we had not seen a doctor since one had seen us with measles four years earlier.

When we …