The making of a doctor reflections on attitudes, ability and aims in medicine.

IT has long been the tradition of this hospital for a member of the medical staff, appointed to the duty by his colleagues, to deliver an address to the students at the commencement of the winter teaching session. Indeed, it was already an oldestablished custom in 1852 when Dr. Andrew Malcolm graced the office of orator.' I feel greatly honoured to have been entrusted with this very special responsibility and to tread in the steps of those who, over the years, have made the Royal Victoria Hospital what it is today. In 1903, Sir William Osler,2 distinguished physician and teacher, celebrated essayist and acknowledged master of the orator's art, addressing undergraduates of the University of Toronto said: "Of the value of an introductory lecture I am not altogether certain. I do not remember to have derived any enduring benefit from the many that I have been called upon to hear or from the not a few that I have inflicted in my day. On the whole, I am in favour of abolishing the old custom . . . " If that was how Sir William truly felt about an occasion such as this, who am I to disagree with him, if only for today! And yet, I wish that he had had the privilege of being a member of the medical staff of the Royal Victoria Hospital and of sharing our traditions because I am sure he would have found inspiration in the wisdom and oratory of his colleagues. They would have included the late Dr. R. S. Allison's "Olympians,"3 Sir William Whitla, Professor J. A. Lindsay, Dr. William Calwell, Dr. H. L. McKisack, Mr. A. B. Mitchell, Dr. W. B. McQuitty, Mr. Robert Campbell and Dr. John Walton Browne who, as chairman of staff, participated in the Loyal Address of Welcome to their Majesties King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra at the official opening of the Royal Victoria Hospital on 27th July of that same year, 1903.4 It is on these occasions that we are especially conscious of our links with the past, with the long line of our illustrious predecessors who practised and taught in this hospital and in its forerunners, the Belfast Dispensary and Fever Hospital, first opened in Factory Row in 1797 and later moved to West Street, Smithfield, and then the Belfast General Hospital built in Frederick Street, opened in 1817 and renamed the Belfast Royal Hospital in 1875. They devoted their work, wisdom and skill to the service of their fellow men and were diligent and faithful trustees of that great heritage which we are proud to cherish today. It reminds us that we, being many, are all members of one body. I wish to take this opportunity to express sincere personal appreciation and thanks for wise counsel and valued help to colleagues and friends who have now fulfilled their appointments at this hospital and whose daily leadership, companionship and support we shall all greatly miss.