There are some factors beyond a doctor’s control that may affect whether patients choose to see them or not. — AMITA SEVELLARAJA When I first decided to move into private practice, I applied to a well-known private hospital in Johor Bahru. My application was turned down as I was considered “not marketable”. This decision had nothing to do with my skills or willingness to work hard; it was based on my physical characteristics, namely, being a male, Indian obstetrician and gynaecologist. I would have had to do more to attract patients away from my female Chinese or Malay colleagues, who would have been the first choice for a woman requiring the services of an obstetrician and gynaecologist.