Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 9/10/2007

Question
How long did it take you to become what you already are? What's your salary? Is it hard? What motivates you into becoming one? How successful are you in what you do? Which med school did you go to? What were your grades when you entered med school? What were your scores? I want to know everything."

Answer
Hi Benjamin
It took 5 years at Medical School to become a doctor, then another 8 years to become a Consultant in Anaesthesia in the UK. That is about as quick as it can be done - even with the modern system of training in the UK.
I enjoy my work as it is very varied but it can be very hard e.g. working all night trying to save the life of a 4 year old child who was run over. This is never easy.
Success - that is for others to judge, not me. I entered Medical School over 30 years ago - what I needed to get in bears no resemblance to current requirements.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson