Researchers at the University of Oxford sent questionnaires to all junior doctors who qualified from any UK medical school in 1999 and 2000, seeking views about their work. They compared the doctors' responses with those from junior doctors obtained in previous surveys in the mid-1990s. Comments about the portrayal of doctors in the news media emerged as a new theme among the doctors who qualified in 1999 and 2000.
Typical comments showed that these respondents felt demoralised or undermined by criticism of doctors in the media. One wrote, "I often feel very guilty being a doctor, or sometimes ashamed, as we have such a bad press." Another said, "It's particularly difficult now that doctors are being witch-hunted by the UK press."
Some commented that such criticism was making them doubt whether they wished to continue in medicine. One doctor was, "Considering working abroad because of current "doctor bashing" in the media." Another said, "I would consider leaving medicine if current anti-doctor media worsens."
A few emphasised that they would not be put off, saying "I will stay in medicine, despite all the doctor bashing in the press, I am still proud to be part of the profession."
Although the numbers were small, it would be a pity if these sentiments were becoming common among young doctors right at the start of their careers, say the authors. Moreover, if school students considering a medical career are similarly affected by adverse media comment, some may change their minds.
Although professions cannot expect to avoid criticism, it is clear that criticism considered to be unfair has a real, damaging effect on the morale of some doctors, they conclude.