Ever wondered if being stoical gets you better treatment? Whether there is a best - or worst - time to be admitted to hospital? Or how you can speed up getting an appointment with a busy consultant?

ROBERT HUDSON asked five doctors to reveal the secrets of their trade. They did so, under pseudonyms: Dr Everything works in general practice, Dr Child is a paediatrician, Dr Cancer is an oncologist, Dr Gynae specialises in women's health and Dr Mind is a psychiatrist...