Forum for debate

Editor - I welcome Helen Morant's letter on separating medicine from the rest of our lives. She uses the studentBMJ as a forum for opinion and thought on issues pertinent to medical students across the UK and beyond.

The studentBMJ is produced for students, by students, free from outside influence, allowing everyday issues to be considered by all. In this way the journal offers a superb opportunity to each and every student to voice his or her personal comments.

Helen Morant makes some very valid and valuable contributions to the debate, which I and many others respect. Her comments about separating our professional medical lives from the rest are essential, and the issue is highlighted in Abi Berger's article in the June edition of studentBMJ. I do object, however, to the comments she makes in her final sentence.

In criticising Mr Singh, she fails to understand the objective of the "Soundings" column-to stimulate debate. This can be done without unnecessary personalisation against those who commit time to producing this journal for the benefit of other students.

Ian Bickle, third year medical student, The Queen's University of Belfast


studentBMJ 2000;08:217-258 July ISSN 0966-6494