Viewpoint: A taste of my own medicine

I was recently asked to speak at our local trust induction for the new Foundation Year 1 doctors. The thrilling subject matter I was entrusted to cover was discharge summaries.

When I arrived, there was an action-packed schedule essentially telling the new doctors what not to do, how not to get in trouble, and one talk (I wish I could have stayed) aptly entitled ‘how not to kill people’. The new recruits looked pale and clammy, and there was a definite sense of impending doom. Perhaps they were hungover, but, sadly, I’m pretty sure they weren’t.

I was tasked with imparting the importance of timely, concise discharge summaries, ensuring they avoid the dreaded phrase ‘GP to chase’ and know how to write a fit note. I’m not sure how helpful it all was — talk of dosette boxes as their minds swum with more pressing …