Sir.—I was amused by Dr Stiehm's1 account in the December 1989 issue of AJDC of his experiences as "prince consort." He must be congratulated for being brave enough to share with the readers his problems handling lack of notoriety. I find it disconcerting, however, that his identity seems to center mainly, if not exclusively, around his professional persona. He becomes a "nonperson" away from his job and experiences great difficulty not being the center of attention. I wish to submit that he does not become a nonperson, but his wife's husband, an intelligent and educated man with enough social graces and interests "to make it" without the aura of the white coat.
As Dean of Students and a successful physician, my wife enjoys her own reputation and prominence. There are occasions when I am "just the husband," or the "Mrs" as I like to call myself. I do