Secret Doctor: The brain drain in hospitals must be combatted to ensure excellent care

In the hospital where I work, less than 10 individuals from my class of 180 are pursuing hospital-based medicine. The brain drain is a reality we must combat to ensure the sustained delivery of excellent care, both now and in the future

The Secret Doctor looks at the absurd in the mundane this week

Throughout the bustling corridors of hospitals, doctors form teams affiliated with various departments. In the Irish health system, fresh-faced doctors begin their journey as interns. This initiatory phase entails three-month rotations in different capacities. The intention behind this arrangement is to expose budding doctors to a diverse array of specialties that might capture their interest. From the emergency department to respiratory medicine, obstetrics/gynaecology to orthopaedic surgery, the options are vast.

I recall a tale relayed by a friend about her cardiology rotation. A gentleman arrived, anticipating a day procedure. My friend conducted the necessary consent process, but just as the man mentioned his need for a bathroom break, he was summoned to the procedure room. When contemplating whether he could withstand the urge, he asked about the duration of the impending intervention. The intern ventured a guesstimate: "It should take around 30-60 minutes." Alas, six long hours later, the poor man emerged, his bladder near bursting point, and sprinted towards the nearest toilet.