We need to talk about sleep

Is becoming a doctor compatible with getting enough sleep? Susan Field speaks to students about fatigue and the consequences for their health.

Also in Summer 2022

In focus

Six myths about indemnity

What actually is indemnity? Medico-legal adviser Kathryn Leask explores six common myths and explains when and how the MDU can help you.

Feature

My battle with imposter syndrome

Dealing with high expectations, homesickness and self-doubt. International student Itisha Adukia reflects.

In focus

Why NHS indemnity isn't enough

A medical defence organisation can help fill the gaps left by NHS indemnity – as well as work not covered by the NHS at all.

News

Have your say on the GMC's Good medical practice

What you need to know about the proposed updates to the GMC’s core guidance for doctors – Good medical practice – and how to have your say.

Read the issue in full

FY1 membership

Join the MDU for FY1 membership and half of your subscription will be donated to the Doctors' Support Network and Royal Medical Benevolent Fund.

How joining the MDU can help support your fellow doctors

Get ready for practice

Feature

You're not the only one anxious about starting FY1

In fact, research confirms this. Dr Clare van Hamel has researched the anxiety and preparedness of newly qualified doctors for several years. She shares her top tips to help prepare for practice.

Career

Ethical issues

What should I do if a patient refuses treatment that could save their life?

When a patient takes an overdose and refuses treatment, the attending FY1 doctor calls the MDU for advice.

Consent

Ethical issues

Am I self-medicating with alcohol?

One foundation doctor calls the MDU after fatigue almost leads them to make a dangerous mistake.

Health and wellbeing Career

Most viewed articles

Feature

Why I decided to become... a sexual health consultant

Sexual health and HIV consultant Dr Andy Williams tells us how he found his NHS family and shares his advice for students interested in pursuing the specialty.

Career

Student dilemma

Protecting patient information

A patient's relative complained that a student had breached their duty of confidentiality.

Interview

Advice to new medical students: what I wish I'd known

Final year medical student Ollie Burton has learned a thing or two about making the most of opportunities at medical school. Here’s his advice for freshers and what he wishes he’d known when he started medical school.

Social media for medical professionals

Student dilemma

Social media backlash – what should you do?

It’s important to consider the pros and cons when posting content online as a medical professional.

Communication

Student dilemma

Should you respond to fake news stories on social media?

Coronavirus conspiracy theories are on the rise on social media. Should medical students respond to them?

Coronavirus Communication Confidentiality

Ethical issues

Is it ok to share personal opinions on social media?

Social media is becoming more prevalent in the lives of medical professionals. Dr Sally Old shares tips on communicating online without falling foul of the rules.

Media Confidentiality

Summer 2022