Why do doctors want to be MPs?

The BMJ has an interesting analysis of why so many doctors want to become politicians.

They point out that 19 doctors are standing as candidates for the three main political parties: 11 for the Conservative party, six for the Labour party, and two for the Liberal Democrats. A number of doctors are standing for other parties, including four for the UK Independence party (UKIP) and seven for the National Health Action party (NHAP).

Every election, they say between five and nine doctors are elected.

Sarah Wollaston, a former GP and Conservative MP for Totnes, said that most doctors already have the skills required to be an MP. “The ability to prioritise, to work collaboratively, to be able to explain, to be comfortable communicating with people who are very angry, and to be able to speak in public and explain what you are doing—all are skills that many doctors use every day and perhaps they don’t realise that they have had all the training needed to be an MP.”