28 days
So as you’ve seen Harrop received a one month suspension.
That sounds like nothing but word is it’s not. It’s on his record and will limit his career from now on.
It’s on the record that he engaged in inappropriate, insulting and at times intimidatory communications on Twitter – in short that he’s a bully.
I take all of that in and I’ve been told similar things by other experts. I’ve been told that the eyes of the world are on Harrop and if he repeats his bad behaviour, he’ll be toast.
But I also think that this is only true if he wants to continue a career in medicine. He could slip into journalism without a moment’s thought. The Guardian would snap him up, tribunal or not. Pink News is probably already beating down his door. And he has his friend Ben to put in a good word at Vice.
I think part of my problem is that I want this to send a message to internet bullies, but the GMC’s remit is more to send a message to doctors to protect its reputation. I must learn to manage my expectations. I should be able to do it, it’s always the first thing I tell my clients ;)
I am satisfied with this result, which ought to chasten Dr. Harrop, who presumably values his being able to practice his profession.
Oh I doubt that the Guardian particularly wants to grab Harrop as a journalist. He’s not noticeably skilled in that direction. I doubt they’d want him as a columnist either. Pink News might but that doesn’t seem like a step up from being a doctor.
Every time I think or read about this, I grin. Having met my fair share of narcissists in the health profession, I am gleeful whenever any of their ilk get their comeuppance.
He’s not noticeably skilled [at journalism]”
You don’t need to be, if your beat is woke politics. And think of the cushy gigs he call fall backwards into – the spots on talk shows as The Gay Doctor That Was Bullied! Cancelled! Martyred! For Defending Trans People, interviews for Pink and elsewhere, and possibly a part time column somewhere. He can stay a doctor and pick up these low effort earners on the side no problem.