Are we really hypochondriacs?

Medical students get a bad press. People think that we are hypochondriacs, obsessed with diagnosing ourselves with rare eponymous syndromes—especially around exam time. But sometimes we get it right. While camping in the Scottish glens, I developed rigors, arthralgia, fever, photophobia, and malaise. The acute phase passed, but without general improvement.

Doctor one: “And how is your mood?” the village general practitioner asked. He seemed disappointed to hear that I was generally fine, got on with my parents and, no, if my boyfriend were late for dinner I didn't break down in tears. My vegetarianism, however, …