Medical Sickness

As part of our OSCE exam, we are tested on communication skills: these are simulated by actors who play patients, most of whom usually have some kind of dark hidden secret.

One of the exam stations was a practice nurse who was concerned about a GP whom she suspected of having an alcohol problem. I gibbered on for a while, occasionally using words such as 'confidientiality' and 'report him to the GMC'. My absolute highlight was when I suggested there were organisations, such as Medical Sickness, who were able to help doctors with alcohol and drug problems.

The only problem with this is, Medical Sickness is an insurance company. Good for health insurance, not so hot on drug and alcohol problems.