But I could now assess what the students knew initially, could assess whether they were learning, and could evaluate my teaching. We learn by mutual interactions and some pathways are obvious - we hope that patients learn from doctors, and that students or trainees do the same. I meet many patients and colleagues who are weary. The fact that the Sovereign Lord can continue to teach us so that we have something to give them is profound. But more subtle learning takes place when, for instance, I think of Georgina.
People can change.
This encourages me when I meet Sophia, now aged 20, in whom I diagnose yet another sexually transmitted infection. She had 'crabs' at 14, and her 16th birthday present was primary genital herpes. Maybe she too will be able to take more control of her life and relationships, while we offer non-punitive health education and necessary treatment. As I listen to patients, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds, I learn about varying health beliefs and tailor advice accordingly. The woman who believes 'bad blood is building up inside her' when she has amenorrhoea with Depo-Provera injectable contraception requires more than the easy reassurance that having no periods is not harmful.