Ties are interesting things. A few years ago I visited an exhibition at the Otago Museum about their history. This is the first of two tongue-in-cheek posts about neck-ties and how I see them in health-care and professionalism, in Queensland.

A previous housemate of mine, Ironman, loved his ties. He had no fewer than three Wallabies Rugby ties, in his myriad of choking-scarves. Evidently, I'm not super fussed about them, these days.

I used to love ties. About five years ago. See, the culture of my well-heeled private school was such that the ability to tie a Double Windsor was, for a brief period of time, an awe-inspiring skill to one's fifteen-year-old peers.

Through Uni (in NZ), ties made the odd appearance for formal dinners, placements, 'Professional Practice' sessions and job interviews.

On my first day of work as a pharmacist, I wore a tie. Maxwell laughed at me. Rightly so, in hind-sight; it was 38 Celsius. I melted. Welcome to Brisbane. Don't bother until May. I didn't.

I will, however, that my dislike for ties maybe due to my sizing; I prefer not to look like I have a drag-chute behind me, however, since my neck and waist are quite disproportionate, my choices are either sans tie or Paratrooper.

I have worn a 'Ben Casey' once, quite recently, but I've never been a big fan. I feel that the dispensing jacket puts up a bit too much of a barrier; in the same way that Docs in Australasia don't wear lab coats, they're on the outer. Unsurprisingly, the high cut collar makes me feel like a cross between the Incredible Hulk and a Priest.

These days I wear an open-necked shirt to work. I'd rather go tie-less in a nice shirt and feel relaxed than look like a stressed out used-car salesman who's just trying that wee bit too much; tacky shirts are one of my pet dislikes.

Hospitals seems to have quite a strong tie culture although, I've usually been able to avoid wearing one thus far during Clinical Coaching. Chances are, though, a trip to the tailor might accompany the start of rotations. Yurg.

What about you; do you wear a tie to work? A Lab Coat or Ben Casey?