Blaenavon Hospital

Marriages between clinical colleagues are not a new phenomenon. The stereotypical male doctor of the past pretty much expected to marry a nurse, who would invariably sacrifice her career the moment children appeared. This left the striving young doctor free to climb the greasy pole of the medical hierarchy unencumbered by parental responsibilities. With her understanding of the medical milieu, the ex-nurse could lend a comforting ear to the doctors moans and groans, without competing professionally. If this all sounds cosy and comfortable please return to the nineteenth century. Medical marriages now take many forms. More than 50% of British medical graduates are female1 and many are married to another doctor. Myriad pairings between doctors and other paramedical professions are possible; marriage should no longer be assumed, and gay couples should not be forgotten. What can no longer be assumed is that doctors' careers should take precedence over those of their partners. Increasingly, those who live together have to consider whether to work together. This decision is important for the spouses concerned and those employing them. So many of us will face this decision that it is likely to have a profound influence on medical staffing in the future. If more of us who are qualified to work together could be encouraged to do so, and thus share domestic duties also, we would be a much healthier profession. ### Points to cover when applying for a job with your spouse