Times have changed. At one time, he (females in the role were rare) might not have been much in evidence but every patient knew for sure who their consultant was.
For a start, there would be his name writ large above the head of her bed. Staff would introduce themselves as working for him. And when he did grace the ward, there would be further cues: he would be the one others buzzed around like worker bees to their queen; he would possess the crispest white coat and the emptiest pockets; no name badge would be on his lapel; he would stop only near beds he owned; and half moon spectacles really were a good guide too.
Now though, white coats are out, bifocals are in, and any attempt …