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Once had a young patient who was bored with his career choice as an accountant. Fair enough. Told me he was thinking of training as a podiatrist so he could be a 'consultant surgeon like you in 3 to 4 years'. On suggesting he try medical school first, then surgical training in the time-honoured way, he asked me why. My reply was so that you can look your auntie or uncle in the eye and say you are competent. He had never thought of that - he thought it was just managers and NHS patients he would have to bluff............