This has been a column on medical etiquette. In all social circles, even medical ones, it has always been considered bad manners to talk about yourself - even in a self deprecating manner.

The exceptions to this are if you are very rich or you are leaving. I am not rich.

At the end of my time here I think that I have left a student body which is better able to deal with the complex etiquette problems that medical students often experience-as well as producing a more polite and generally more hygienic bunch.

For my part, I now plan to spend more time with my family (cliché) and more time in recreational pursuits with perhaps a foray into other aspects of medical journalism, and who knows I may even spend some more time studying.

Before I go, I want all my readers to know that I have very much enjoyed my time at the studentBMJ and I want to thank everyone who has told me that they have enjoyed my column.

It is flattering to know that you read it, although a little distressing to know that I look like that picture. Hitherto, I had never seen myself as a Jack Straw look alike-I am only 22 after all.

In conclusion, I would like to think that I have been occasionally witty throughout this series. That has certainly been my intention. However, I would like to end without attempting humour. Instead wishing everyone the best for the future, particularly those students about to sit their finals, especially Glasgow University students in the final year a-2001.