An event that changed my life

Mere grade B's in botany, zoology, and chemistry in higher school certificate (A levels these days) were enough, with the aid of a good “viva,” to get me into Newcastle Medical School in 1948. These days those A level grades wouldn't get me on to a medical course anywhere.

A quarter of entrants were straight from (mostly) public school sixth forms, with a ratio of men to women of about 4:1. The remaining entrants were former servicemen.

Our training began with two years of anatomy and physiology: to look after people medically, it was deemed essential that you knew in considerable detail the structure and function of their bodies. That somewhat fundamental foundation nevertheless stood me in good stead for 36 years in general practice. Behavioural sciences, communication skills, interpersonal relationships, and such matters were learnt either …