Sir, – I just had to take time out of my busy day of botched nose-jobs to respond to your article “The Rule of Perfection” (Business, March 6th).
While I agree wholeheartedly with the main thrust of the article regarding the shocking lack of regulation of cosmetic/bariatric surgery in this country, I wish to take issue with the description of “your local GP” as a person with “a basic medical degree”.
I received my “basic” degree in 1995 and was then required to pursue a further three years of postgraduate training, which included specific clinical posts and intensive vocational education, prior to passing examinations which admitted me to the Irish College of General Practitioners. Vocational training is required and is now extended to four years.
Subsequently I have attended regular continuous structured educational meetings to remain up to date, and this undertaking is now required of all doctors registered to practise medicine in Ireland. General practitioners practise medicine in a holistic, joined-up, evidence-based manner and are the cornerstone of health provision in this country.
Furthermore, most of the GPs I know are busy propping up an ailing health service and tending to the needs of acutely ill patients, providing essential screening and vaccination services and managing chronic illness in the community with ever-shrinking resources.
I can’t see many of my colleagues being able to squeeze a quick gastric banding and chin lift into their daily schedule. – Yours, etc,