Book review: Learning Medicine

At a time when the media are all talking about the flood of incompetent doctors, the stitch-up of the NHS by consultants, and medics as butchers and murderers, what school leaver in their right mind should want to join such a charlatan profession? On the other hand, there is the lifesaving ER image, with gorgeous doctors rushing to the aid of distressed damsels. Fast cars, boundless wealth, and the status of a flourishing Harley Street practice may be attracting them in droves.

Reading Learning Medicine will not make readers' decisions for them, but it will certainly leave them with a much clearer idea about what the training and profession entails. Sir Donald Irvine, president of the General Medical Council, reminds us that "medicine is still very much a vocation, a way of life, a profession which combines knowledge and skill with strong values and ethical standards." His foreword goes on to say the profession is "fulfilling and . . . satisfying for the vast majority of doctors who practise it successfully." The authors' aim is "on the one hand . . . to encourage," but "on the other to prevent square pegs ending up in round holes."

The aim of the book is clear from the start. It challenges the reader to consider seriously what is involved in a career in medicine. This is not a guide to what grades you need to get you where you want to go or a book stuffed with "interview tricks," but one that asks, "Is medicine right for me?" This is what makes the book so valuable. Each chapter concentrates on a different aspect of the progress into medicine, from the stage of considering the profession to postgraduate education and a consultant or general practitioner job.

There are, however, some glaring factual inaccuracies. This is the 15th edition of the book, and is only very recently published, but the authors have failed to note the shift in the UCAS application deadline! They offer guidance as if the application deadline were still in mid-December, but potential applicants beware-the deadline is now in mid-October.

The book considers many aspects of the course, including the different options for doing an intercalated BSc. It covers the new problem based learning (PBL) courses well, with an extensive case study, but covers more traditional courses less well than previous editions did. The case studies continue with several "a day in the life of" sketches, which provide an exciting taste of the clinical course. There is, however, a rosy tint to things. Nowhere does it mention the hours wasted hanging around for teaching that never happens from doctors who don't have time. The cartoons from Larry provide real humour on almost every page, and many convey important messages as well. The appendices are also very useful, with some extracts from GMC publications, as well as a bibliography and the addresses of all the medical schools and some grant giving bodies. Sadly though, websites and email addresses have not made their way into the book yet.

Back then to the extremes of murderers and fast cars. Neither is true of course. But there is no better guide to making some sense out of the myths and rumours than this book.

Nick Jenkins, fourth year medical student, Imperial College and Royal Free School of Medicine
Email: nickjenkins@easynet.co.uk

NJ is chairman of the BMA medical students committee.

studentBMJ 2000;08:259-302 August ISSN 0966-6494