Some doctors need special careers advice

Ihave scleroderma. Eighteen months ago I was advised by an occupational health doctor to retire on ill health grounds. I was 30 years old. Determined not to let my medical knowledge and skills go to waste, I was left to find a niche which was more suitable to my health needs and allowed me to carry on working. My situation is by no means unique and in this month's Career focus article, some doctors who have chronic illnesses summarise their own experiences and give advice to other doctors who may find themselves in a similar position.

Unfortunately, doctors who have a chronic illness have a rough deal. Not only do they have to come to terms with the effects of their illness, they also find that their situation has implications for their career. Inflexible working patterns, poor contingency cover, and colleagues who are “sympathetic until it affects them” often add guilt to …