Letter: Mr Dobson, this is unfair

MEDICAL students enter their courses with a clear vocational intent and a willingness to spend up to six years of study before qualifying. They are among the most able of their peers and could have opted for shorter degree courses and early entry to other well-remunerated jobs. That they don't do this is evidence of a deeply founded commitment to medicine. When they become house officers such commitment is exploited by the NHS where everybody knows they have to work long hours in a demanding and stressful environment. Is it not to be expected that some can't take the strain and leave while others exercise the right that we all have - to move jobs? Isn't it about time Mr Dobson valued doctors a little more?

DR B DALEY

Waterlooville, Hants