Preface

Summary

For 25 years this book, regularly updated, has assisted many people like yourself, to make your own informed decision as to whether, or not, medicine is the right career for you.

However, this book has a much wider purpose. It charts the various medical school courses, explains the Foundation years, and outlines the wide range of medical specialty choices.

Further, through its consideration of the legal consequences of the privilege and responsibility of being a doctor, it gives food for thought and reflection throughout your career in convenient bedside reading!

It also provides a readable source of information for patients and the public, about what it takes to become and remain a good doctor.

With the ever-increasing radical changes to medical education and medical practice, Medicine continues to go through difficult times, but patients will always need good doctors.

Medicine is not just another job: it is a way of life. Most doctors are highly regarded by their patients. Medicine is a tremendous career for the right people.

You will need to consider all the personal and professional implications of a life dedicated to putting patients and patient safety first.

We celebrate our 25th anniversary by sub-titling this book “How to become and remain a good doctor”, to reflect its now much wider scope.