There’s no denying it’s been an incredibly tough year for healthcare professionals across the NHS.
That’s why we're working with two charities that support doctors when they need it the most.
Join the MDU for F1 membership and half of your subscription will be donated to the Doctors' Support Network and Royal Medical Benevolent Fund.*
All you have to do is sign up for MDU membership and we’ll do the rest. Find out more about how these charities support doctors every day below.
Feel good about giving back
Speaking about the initiative, MDU’s head of advisory services Caroline Fryar, said:
“Healthcare staff work under immense pressure at the best of times and the pandemic has significantly intensified that, with the impact on physical and emotional health and wellbeing likely to continue for years to come.
“Being involved in a medico-legal process on top of this is the tipping point for many members. We continue to call for action on behalf of doctors to minimise the impact of investigations on them, but many doctors also need immediate financial and emotional support. These charities offer vital assistance to our peers when they need it the most.”
Refer a friend and they’ll not only benefit from expert guidance and robust defence from the UK’s leading medical defence organisation, but they’ll also be helping fellow medics who need emotional or financial support.
*Valid for all FY1 applications received in 2021 for 2021 and 2022 qualifiers.
What’s more, you’ll both be able to select one of three free gifts.
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Photo credit: The MDU
Choose from:
- Oxford Handbook for the Foundation Programme
- Oxford Handbooks Clinical Tutor Study Cards – Medicine
- Pocket Prescriber.
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You can help raise critical funds to support the work of Doctors' Support Network and Royal Medical Benevolent Fund by sharing this message with other final year students.
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Why do you need a medical defence organisation?
Your first years as a doctor are likely to be some of the most memorable and challenging experiences of your life. If you face a dilemma, you can contact us and speak to a medico-legal adviser.
As well as providing support for your professional development, we can help with many types of medico-legal issues including disciplinary matters relating to your clinical care, responding to complaints and attendance at inquests.
If these situations happen it can be very distressing and seeking advice and support is essential.
Find out more about the member benefits.
About the Doctors' Support Network
The Doctors' Support Network (DSN) is a UK registered charity supporting doctors and medical students with mental health concerns. The charity runs an online peer support forum, providing DSN members (it's free to join DSN) with an anonymous, confidential, safe place to discuss your experience of being a medic with a mental health problem. It also provides its members with advice others have found helpful.
The DSN is entirely funded by donations which is why direct support is so crucial for it to operate. Money raised will help the member-run charity cover its operational costs, which include expenses related to publicising DSN to individual medics and campaigning nationally to improve all doctors' experiences of mental illness.
About the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund
The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund (RMBF) is a UK registered charity which provides financial assistance, health and wellbeing support, psychotherapy, and other advice and information to doctors and their families, and medical students.
The RMBF relies on voluntary donations. The money it raises comes from fellow doctors and their families.
For medical students like Belal, the RMBF is there for those who find themselves in difficult situation. The charity supported him as he progressed into his final year of medical school.