Alimentary, My Dear Doctor: Medical Anecdotes and Humour

Abstract

Alimentary, My Dear Doctor is an anthology about patients with digestive problems and the medical team, headed by a general practitioner, that cares for them. Since gastroenterology is a multidisciplinary field, the book has broad appeal. The publication has an interesting origin. The General Practitioners Writers Association began when two physicians attending a medical seminar discovered that they enjoyed the similar avocation of nonscientific medical writing. Others with similar interests joined the group, but it was not until the editor of The Lancet lent his support that the association was launched. About 3 years from its inception, the association has more than 300 authors from countries around the world. Workshops are held to hone the authors' skills. The offer by Radcliffe Medical Press of a prize for humorous medical writing met with enthusiastic response from the members. Editor Clifford Hawkins selected entries that made him laugh out loud for inclusion