Medics should not be narrow minded

Editor - I am writing with reference to Morris's article, entitled "The art of healing."¹ Morris believes that his experience of a literature degree allows him to comment on every arts student in Britain. Have we not moved on from the narrow minded attitudes of the 19th century?

Arts students have progressed through the educational system just like medical students and should be treated with equal respect. Surely, as a graduate studying medicine, Morris should recognise that everyone is an individual and will approach life differently. It is impossible to categorise every arts student as "lazy." The danger of such an article is that other medics may believe such crude generalisations. I hope these narrow minded, negative attitudes are not commonplace among other medics. If this is the prevailing attitude towards others seeking intellectual development, what would be the attitude towards the working class? Would it be that they are "bone idle"?

Jake Harino, third year medical student, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX


studentBMJ 2000;08:175-216 June ISSN 0966-6494

1. Morris C. The art of healing. studentBMJ 2000;8:82. (March.)