Yes, it is a stange name for a site

When I started this site last weekend, I was aware that my choice of name might be a bit off-putting for some ("quick, quick, the boss is coming, close the window that has the words finger and rectum in the same sentence..."). However, besides being humorous, I think it is representative of a number of the key themes that will arise in my postings.

Firstly, the original source of the quote is Sir William Osler:

"Failure to examine the throat is a glaring sin of omission, especially in children. One finger in the throat and one in the rectum makes a good diagnostician."

As I mentioned in my first post, Osler is one of the original inspirations for starting this journal. I thought it appropriate to draw on him for the title, as his tradition of writing on life and medicine is one I intend to follow.

Secondly, the quote describes the activities required 125 years ago for a physician to make a complete examination. In my mind, a complete examination in today's world includes -more than ever- an analysis of healthcare policy and medical education. These are the throat and the rectum that I am going to stick my fingers into quite often in this journal.

Lastly, I think the quote conveys the idea that the study and practice of medicine may not always be glamorous. I have little idea what to expect over the next 8-10 years, so my posts will often describe those things about the profession that catch me off-guard. I can't predict right now if these posts will more often describe the gory aspects of medicine - involving rectums and other organs- or what life is like on-call, in debt, and living like a student until I am 30 years old.