![\"David](\"http:\/\/www.bmj.com\/site\/blog\/icons\/david_kerr.jpg\")
So David Cameron does not know the meaning of the phrase Magna Carta (The Great Charter) or who composed the music to Rule Britannia (Thomas Arne). The prime minister was appearing on the David Letterman show in the US following in the footsteps of his political adversary, Boris Johnson who also made a similar appearance back in the summer. On social media sites the overall impression of Cameron\u2019s performance seemed to be mildly positive with the general impression being that it was slightly dull and wooden with a few light hearted moments. For politicians dull is probably perceived as good. However, one American wit commented the following day on Radio 4 that most Americans wouldn\u2019t have a clue who he was anyway as they were still under the impression that the UK prime minister is Tony Blair or Margaret Thatcher. \nDoing the \u201cpublic engagement\u201d rounds is also increasingly seen as part of the job description of senior medical staff. The idea is to organise gatherings of patients in various venues outside of the hospital to listen to the \u201clatest service developments\u201d or \u201cground breaking research\u201d from local consultants or specialist teams. Despite advances in information technology, these types of presentation have recurring features which all new consultants need to be aware of.<\/p>\n