'Life is a sexually transmitted condition with 100% mortality'. So begins Dr Geoffrey Phillips in his book Gnomic Wisdom as he shares a collection of anecdotes and observations gained over his long career in medicine, ten years in the Territorial Army and experience in writing medico-legal reports. From his birth in 1952 and through his school, medical student and army days to his time as a highly respected consultant geriatrician, Dr Phillips brings to life what really goes on during training, on hospital wards and in the medical profession, whilst setting everything into an historical and informative context so providing an educating, informing and often humorous read.