Sources of support

Whether you've been practising for years or just starting out, medico-legal issues can be stressful.

As well as assistance from the MDU when it comes to dealing with a complaint, investigation or a claim, there are a number of resources and organisations available to help you look after yourself, whether you’re dealing with mental, physical, work or financial pressures.

Contact an adviser

Peer support network

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Peer support network

MDU members who need support through a GMC case, claim or some other investigation process can access our peer support network. 

We can put you in touch with fellow members who have been through a similar experience. The network aims to help members put things into perspective. To access this network, please speak to the medico-legal adviser dealing with your case.

Speaking from experience: a member's story

Health and wellbeing e-learning

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Health and wellbeing e-learning

Looking after yourself is just as important as looking after patients, especially when you’re starting out in medicine. Anyone entering the medical profession won’t be surprised to find it’s a high-pressured career, placing demands on your time, resources and stamina.

This free course is aimed at junior doctors and shines a light on the impact of these issues. It helps you to recognise the warning signs in yourself and others, as well as the steps you can take to seek support. At the end you'll have the opportunity to test your knowledge and earn a certificate of completion.

View course

Support for students

At every medical school there will be plenty of friendly and supportive people around you ready to talk or lend a hand. Older students on your course, for example, are often voices of experience who can share useful practical tips and reassurance. If it's not something you feel able to discuss with your peers, you can also make an appointment with your personal tutor if you have one or contact Student Services at your university.

Outside medical school, it's important to register with a GP if you're living away from home, especially if you think your health is beginning to affect your performance. And while you might be getting used to life away from home, it's still a good idea to keep in touch with those who know you best.

Student members can always contact the MDU for support at any time. Simply email our advisory team and quote your membership number. See resources below, and check out further advice in our student hub.

Doctors in Distress

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Doctors in Distress

The MDU is a proud supporting partner of Doctors in Distress, a UK-based independent charity promoting and protecting the mental health of healthcare professionals.

Doctors in Distress runs a range of free online programmes, including photography and creative writing, and weekly support groups where you can hear from fellow professionals with lived mental health experience.

Free wellbeing programmes

Employee health and wellbeing helpline

Employee health and wellbeing helpline

Looking after your staff – and yourself – is as important as looking after patients.

As well as supporting members with a complaint or a claim, we also offer access to a 24-hour confidential employee wellbeing helpline, where individuals can speak to trained advisers and mental health nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

This helpline is available to our Groupcare practices (with all GPs as MDU members) and our corporate members and their staff. Speak to your MDU local liaison manager to find out more.

Speak to your MDU local liaison manager

Other sources of support

Guidance and advice

Guide

Doctors' health and wellbeing: sources of support

Medico-legal concerns can be extremely stressful for healthcare professionals at every level, but there are lots of places you can turn to for help if you need it.
Features

Mental health as a fresher: advice from one student to another

Third-year student Daniel Aaron Levy shares his advice for freshers embarking on their first year at medical school and the best ways of looking after your mental...
Features

I'm a GP with anxiety and depression: here's why I want you to take care of your wellbeing

Dr Stephanie Slater is on a mission to end the stigma around mental health for doctors.
Guide

Coping with complaints stress

Facing a complaint or a claim can be difficult but there are steps you can take to help manage the stress involved.
News

Taking care of your wellbeing after medical school

What to expect during your transition from medical student to foundation doctor – with advice on taking care of yourself during this busy period.
Journal

Creating a caring culture

We expect them to be superhumans, but doctors can be deeply affected by adverse incidents - their wellbeing must not be forgotten.
Journal

Moral injury in healthcare workers

Professor Neil Greenberg discusses the concept of 'moral injury' as a result of working in difficult circumstances - and how to manage it.
Journal

Supporting employees affected by menopause

Vicky Kitney, from the MDU's HR partners Peninsula, outlines the basic need-to-knows of having a practice policy to support staff affected by menopause.

Journal

Under pressure - surviving student stress

Dealing with stress during your studies can be stressful in itself, but help and support are available to students who are feeling the strain on their mental health