Doctors who emigrate

Sir – One of the two junior doctors leading the present industrial action within UK hospitals is apparently considering emigrating to Canada (Interview, December 30). As both were trained in British medical schools, they – and any of their colleagues planning to leave the NHS for opportunities abroad – should be instructed to repay the British taxpayer for their medical education.

Most medical students pay about £50,000 for their five-year training, but the full cost is more than £250,000. The UK cannot afford to continue with this unique subsidy. Malcolm H Wheeler

Emeritus Professor of Surgery Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan

Sir – Your interview with the two leaders of the British Medical Association’s junior doctors committee was depressing. If the dispute had been about conditions of service in the modern NHS, it would have had whole-hearted support from the public and from those of us who worked for the NHS for many years.

However, the campaign involving pickets and posters highlight nothing but pay. It is about money.

The damage this dispute has caused to the medical profession will be slow to recover – if at all.

Dr Robert Walker FRCPE

Great Clifton, Cumbria

Sir – As an NHS GP for 35 years, who as a junior doctor worked up to 120 hours a week, I was delighted to hear that Dr Rob Laurenson, one of the leaders of the junior doctors’ strikes, may leave this country and go to Canada.

I don’t think his attitude – that his pay is more important than his patients’ wellbeing – makes him a doctor I would want looking after me.

Dr Fiona Underhill Woodford Green, Essex