Doctors have feelings too

I read Anna Donald's article on doctors' motives with interest (opinion, page 17, 8 March 2007). In terms of what doctors need, it is about finding an acceptable means of emotional release.

Each and every day they are bombarded by sad and difficult situations with ill people. There is no recognition of the emotional turmoil this can cause.

This is in contrast to therapists, who see fewer patients for a longer period of time and also have formal supervision as an important, acceptable part of their working life.

Debbie Jackson, head of modernisation, Christie Hospital trust