One of the things that make other medical blog sites out there interesting is the clinical anecdotes. The small but profound accounts of another doctor’s minor triumphs and disasters. The stories that we can identify and sympathise with. Those aspects of a doctor’s work that are intensely personal and human.
It may have been noticed that I do not post such anecdotes. This is not because I do not have any such stories to tell. I have probably as many as any of my colleagues and occasionally I am tempted to recount them, but I always resist this temptation.
If I were to start down that path I would inevitably start giving away personal details, my speciality, my location and my history. As sure as night follows day it would not be long before I was identified.
This is something I would rather not happen. This is why I do not respond to comments on my blog that appear to me to be putting out feelers. I give no feedback to personal questions. The only facts I have given are that I am a currently practising NHS Consultant and have been qualified for over 30 years. There is an assumption amongst some readers that I am male, which I will neither confirm nor deny.
Remaining totally anonymous is something I value highly. It gives me an extraordinary level of freedom to express what I think and believe. It means I can reprint statements and articles that got the original authors into hot water. I can make criticisms of the highest on the medical landscape. I am able to criticise hospital managers, including my own if I wish, and voice my opinions of their actions. All without fear of suffering what happened to these unfortunates. (1) (2) (3) (4)
On a broader field I can post something like this without fear of this happening.
I am in real life an obscure and unremarkable individual, and I would like it to stay that way.
Very much agreed.
ReplyDeleteI'm not in the habit of disclosing explicit information about myself, either.
ReplyDeleteI'd caution that any blogger, active with other bloggers, only enjoys a degree of anonymity. Although I value this, as you do, we need to appreciate that it's a veneer of anonymity and isn't as absolute as we may desire.
Two wise bloggers courteously didn't identify me but pointed out to me through email how it really isn't that hard to start working out who someone is.
My comment really is meant to be an agreement, that anonymity has vale, interjected with a touch of caution, not to be too cavalier!
"I am in real life an obscure and unremarkable individual"
ReplyDeleteYes, I can believe that.
"and I would like it to stay that way. "
You got it.
But "Consultant" mmmm??? And age wise, I'd still think 30's, maybe early 40's not 50's, and as for gender, Male, maybe! "Female", Why not?! Sounds more plausible by the minute, it may even give your identity away so, take care.
Nice excercise, thank you and have a good day :)
I can fully understand and concur with the need for anonymity. As someone who has links with organisations, I criticise, that could harm others if revealed, I guard mine jealously. From a personal view, about me, I couldn't give a toss.
ReplyDeleteWithout any intent at 'fishing' I am sure of gender, and age would be 50's for sure. Why? Well, your predeliction for for the erotica recently displayed, for which I had similar, but fleeting thoughts, together with years qualified, give that away, so be careful even about snippets tossed into the pot.
But, thank you thus far for your considered thought and rapier like wit (geddit!). But, please remember to remove the mask and scabbard, prior to work. Oh, and by the way, in concert with your recent rebellion, I wore tan shoes with black trousers last week! Hedonistic or what!
"Remaining totally anonymous is something I value highly. It gives me an extraordinary level of freedom to express what I think and believe. "
ReplyDeleteAnonymity serves two people; a hero, or a coward.
And it is 'purpose' that deffrentiates between both.
2nd Anonymous,
ReplyDelete"Anonymity serves two people; a hero, or a coward."
'Heroes' in the NHS tend to lose their jobs and/or have their sanity and honesty questioned. Rita Pal, Graham Pink to mention two.
"Anonymity serves two people; a hero, or a coward."
ReplyDeleteDoes it? Why?
And if it were true what is your purpose "Anonymous"