Punching your weight

As we near the end of the century there is a fashion for institutions to re-examine their futures. This week, after we go to press, the consultants are doing it. Last week Britain itself was doing it, re-examining its role in the world in the 21st century. The note for this was struck by the remark of the foreign secretary, Douglas Hurd, that for a long time after the second world war Britain has been “punching above her weight.” Britain's problem is coming to terms gracefully with the fact that she cannot continue to do that.

The problem for the medical profession is rather the opposite. There is a feeling that during the past few years doctors have been on the ropes a bit. Now the feeling is growing that it is about time they got back on to the canvas and started making their …