I must respond to Dr Paul Nisselle’s article ‘How we became doctors in the old days — in 8 steps’, a Medical Observer opinion piece, 30 September 2022.

Paul and I are old friends and colleagues of the same era. We are both recycled GPs, having spent many years working for medical defence organisations and being involved with state branches of the AMA. He’s got a gong to show for it.

Paul, you may have thought it was hard in your day, but it was much tougher in mine.

Having escaped medical school in 1968, I ran away to the provinces with my lover, soulmate and life partner. We holed up in the old Royal Newcastle Hospital for the next three years.