Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir

A surprising hierarchy

What had not occurred to me, however, was the hierarchy that exists: the differences between India and England in terms of doctor-patient, doctor-doctor, and doctor-nurse dynamics. And from the instant I walked into the hospital, this struck me the most. I listened tentatively on ward rounds, while everyone from the interns to more senior doctors addressed the lead consultant as “Sir.”—“yes sir,” “sure sir,” “sorry sir.” It was new and surreal for me. I was used to addressing doctors with their title—doctor or mister—or, occasionally, by their first name. Despite being eager to fit in, such formality had never been a part of my medical training, and I was unable to switch into “Sir” mode.

Senior consultants were dedicated in teaching and quizzing their juniors on ward rounds, regardless of how busy they were. I admired this, and realised it is …