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24 December 2009
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  • Meet Dr Mel
  • Dr Mel looking lush

Dr Mel seems to be everywhere at the moment. She's on The Surgery loads and is practically a mega-star! We absolutely love her and know you do too, so we thought we'd ask her some stupid questions to get to know her a bit better.

How did you become a doctor?

My best mate at school decided to apply to medical school. We did everything the same in those days. I had no idea what to do, so I gave it a go. Six years (and a ton of hard work) later I qualified and never looked back. Best decision I ever made.

Being a doctor is the best job in the world. You get to meet so many different people. You are never bored and even though it is stressful and hard work, it is 100% rewarding. Every day you can help someone feel better which makes it all worthwhile.

A stethoscope

Have you ever been too embarrassed to talk to your own doctor? Do you even HAVE your own doctor? Or do you, err, doctor yourself?

When I was 17 I was too embarrassed to talk to anyone about my body, never mind my doctor...

I remember one time going in for The Pill and sitting there just dying: This woman had known me since I was a baby. Thankfully she was great and I felt much better after seeing her.

Since being a doctor myself I am sometimes embarrassed to ask my doctor questions. Not because the subject is personal. Just in case she thinks I should know the answer myself!

Seriously though, my doctor is great. All doctors have their own GP, same as everyone. And we are not meant to doctor ourselves, or our friends. Though it doesn’t stop them asking...

First aid

What's the weirdest thing you've ever been asked?

At work we get asked weird things all the time. Someone asked me yesterday if it was true that walnuts made your boobs bigger.

We love all that – the weirder the better, it keeps us on our toes. So never feel awkward about any question you have for your doc.

What's your best 'doctor doctor' joke?

Patient: Doctor doctor I keep thinking I’m a vampire.

Doctor: Necks, please!

Now you've got to know Dr Mel, check out her advice here.



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