We are expected to engage with reflective practice in our training and of course for revalidation and appraisal. Indeed, it is mandated by the General Medical Council that we engage in reflective practice for the safety of our patients. The concept of reflection is often misunderstood as far as professional regulation is concerned. In this context it requires reflection and action to demonstrate an ability to self-correct, this the professional attribute necessary for patient safety. Some years ago, after a very good lunch at a workshop for trainers, we were asked to define the meaning of reflective practice and to share examples from our own experience. Surprisingly, some good examples emerged, and I was impressed yet again by the ability of my colleagues to function well despite the activity of postprandial, sleep-inducing neurons. This demonstrated an ability to engage with reflective practice in a way not irrelevant to patient safety. The engagement on display had less to do with the quality of reflection, and much more to do with the ability of a resilient audience to function, really quite well, when half asleep.
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