MDU

We know that receiving a complaint, claim or letter from the GMC can be distressing.

Our expert team of doctors, lawyers and claims handlers are on your side.

Today, alongside Doctors in Distress and a coalition of organisations representing doctors, we have written to Chief Medical Officers, Dr Michael McBride and Professor Sir Chris Whitty.

In the letter, we ask them to address the absence of NHS Practitioner Health for doctors and dentists practising in Northern Ireland.

Doctors working in England, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey are able to access
confidential, expert mental health and addiction care. But the doctors of Northern Ireland are alone in the United Kingdom in having no equivalent dedicated provision.

Resolving this would end an indefensible inequality in the care available to UK doctors, send a clear and timely signal to the profession about the value placed on their wellbeing, and — most importantly — help to keep skilled doctors well, in work, and caring for the patients of Northern Ireland.

Sometimes, what you say isn't the same as what a patient hears.

In our upcoming communication skills course with Dr Martin Brunet, you'll learn to:
- Identify and avoid pinch points that can derail consultations
- Improve communication with patients and colleagues
- Understand how personality influences communication
- Use shared understanding to support effective decision-making

⭐ Earn 5 CPD credits.

Find out more: https://www.themdu.com/learn-and-develop/course-listing/essential-communication-skills

We spoke to resident doctors Sabrena and Suvridhi about their electives in Jordan and Dubai, and what they'd recommend considering when planning an elective.

Sabrena & Suvridhi 's tips:
🔵 What to pack: Be aware of the hospital dress code. Some institutions require clinical attire with a white lab coat, while others expect scrubs.

🔵 Safety: Ensure you know how to seek help if needed. Having a trusted contact in the country can be invaluable.

🔵 Language barriers: Communication can be challenging in non-English-speaking countries. Learning basic phrases or having someone who can translate is highly beneficial.

🔵 Patient demographics: Be prepared to encounter different disease patterns and cultural approaches to healthcare.

🔵 Transport: Research how you will travel to and from your placement.

🔵 Finances: Plan for currency exchange and day-to-day expenses.

🔵 Climate: Consider the weather and allow time to adapt to it.

Read more about their experiences: https://www.themdu.com/for-students/features/top-tips-for-electives