Some good holiday party conversation starters:

Phenotypic differences between male physicians, surgeons, and film stars: comparative study
BMJ  2006;333:1291-1293 (23 December)
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/333/7582/1291

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that, on average, male surgeons are taller and better looking than male physicians, and to compare both sets of doctors with film stars who play doctors on screen.

Setting: Typical university hospital in Spain, located in Barcelona and not in a sleepy backwater.

Interventions: An independent committee (all female) evaluated the "good looking score" (range 1-7).

Conclusions: Male surgeons are taller and better looking than physicians, but film stars who play doctors on screen are better looking than both these groups of doctors. Whether these phenotypic differences are genetic or environmental is unclear.

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Sword swallowing and its side effects
BMJ  2006;333:1285-1287 (23 December)
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/333/7582/1285

Objective To evaluate information on the practice and associated ill effects of sword swallowing.

Design: Letters sent to sword swallowers requesting information on technique and complications.

Setting: Membership lists of the Sword Swallowers' Association International.

Participants 110 sword swallowers from 16 countries.

Results: Major complications are more likely when the swallower is distracted or swallows multiple or unusual swords or when previous injury is present.  Sore throats are common, particularly while the skill is being learnt or when performances are too frequent. Sword swallowers without healthcare coverage expose themselves to financial as well as physical risk.

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