Harsh

While thinking about the (lack of) prospect of general internal medicine, there seems a general belief that we are bringing up our medical students and trainees in a more humane manner as compared to twenty years ago. (A vivid story is recently outlined by my friend VW. See http://vwswong.blogspot.com/2010/06/biscuits.html)

I don't think that's a good news.

For example, if one cannot take sufficient care of herself (or himself, no sexual discrimination here) and allow time for her own breakfast before sitting for the final examination (and, at the same time, could not stand that brief period of hunger), how could we rely on this house officer to take care of our patients ?

Similarly, if you easily lose your nerve when seeing an examiner with his face a black hole or his angle of mouth twists with your answer, are we expecting you to defend your medical error by saying that you meet a nasty relative or quarrel with your girlfriend or being insulted by your consultant ... or being semi-conscious at 4 a.m. ?

You see ? We do not need encyclopedic knowledge - we want someone who still remember basic things when they are half-asleep or having acute delirium.