Thoughtful film

Last month saw me attend Medfest, an evening to discuss and consider the role of doctors in film. It was one of a series of free events aimed at medical students currently at university across the country.

As we took our seats we were given a questionnaire asking us to rate our perceptions of doctors and how we felt they were portrayed in film. At this point I felt doctors were always revered and during all the films I was left wondering where the pharmacist was!

I know what you are thinking; what was a pharmacy student doing there. Don't worry I'm not a wannabe medic. (Secretly I was on the hunt for a date to the C+D Awards!)

First up was an old government public health film that showed doctors as pillars of society. I like to think the pharmacist was also out helping patients but the camera crew got sick of him reading the BNF.

Another film was the BAFTA winning short film 'Shadow Scan'. Extremely evocative it showed the pressure of hospital life getting too much for one young doctor. I don't think I could do the film justice if I described it here so I am just going to tell you to watch it.

This got me thinking. Is there enough support for health professionals and, in particular, pharmacists? At last year's Pharmacy Show I remember speaking to someone from Pharmacist Support, a charity working to provide help and support in times of need.

While I was having a rather unflattering caricature drawn of me I was told about the support they offer pharmacy students. Off the top of my head I don't know anyone else who offers such services so I definitely think they deserve more recognition and publicity for their work.

Is there a stigma to being an ‘'ill' health care professional? Are the possible consequences of revealing a ‘weakness' preventing those who need it getting support?

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