“Junior” only belittles the doctors

Exchange of the week

To The Times

Your leading article invites suggestions to replace the demeaning title of “junior doctors” under the subhead, “The seniority of the person in the white coat matters”. This traditional uniform, proudly worn by hospital doctors, promoted patient confidence, but was banned in 2008 by a Labour government. It claimed, with no evidence, that white coats spread infection. In fact, the move served only to undermine professional self-respect, condemning hospital doctors of all grades to sartorial anarchy.

This uniform diktat contributed to the discomfort of “postgraduate doctors in training” – the only possible generic title for “junior doctors”. Their precise contractual grade is not relevant to patients. “Junior” doctors should introduce themselves as: “I am Doctor X of the cardiology team” or “of Doctor Y’s team”. Emphasising the team is a key part of reassuring patients and building the morale of all members. Dr Adrian Crisp, Weston Colville, Cambridgeshire

To The Times

Having worked in the medical profession for nearly 50 years, I find it ironic that we are, correctly, thinking of returning to the sensible titles for non-consultant doctors of house officer, senior house officer, registrar and senior registrar. Three points are worth emphasising: first, the title “junior” has always been belittling (imagine being flown by a “junior” pilot); the present titles are inappropriately designated – the “trade” knows who people are, but the patients don’t; third, the chairman of the BMA “junior” doctors’ committee needs to realise that the naming issue is important – it is directly relevant to the issues of low morale and feeling unheard. Professor Anthony Goldstone, chairman, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Greater London