Starting your first GP post?

If you're a GP trainee in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can save 70%* on your first year of GP membership with the MDU (40% in Scotland).You'll also get further savings over the next four years.

Red Whale logo

In addition, you will also get access to a free online course from medical education providers Red Whale (see terms). Choose from topics like GP updates, women's health, men's health, mental health and more.

Join the MDU

As an MDU member, you get more than just indemnity. We can offer expert advice on issues not covered by the state-backed indemnity scheme in England and Wales:

  • patient complaints
  • coroners' inquests/FAIs
  • performers' list actions
  • ombudsman investigations
  • GMC referral
  • criminal investigations

See below for more on your benefits as an MDU member.

*Saving applies to any standard GP subscription for principals, non-principals and locums and is subject to individual work circumstances.

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With you every step of the way

The MDU is here for you, no matter what challenges you face throughout your career.

Find out how we supported one GP member through a stressful GMC investigation lasting two years.

Your membership benefits

  • Robust defence of your professional reputation if you face a GMC or disciplinary hearing and need expert support and representation.

  • Confidential 24-hour medico-legal helpline answered by fellow doctors for practice-related queries on confidentiality, consent, record keeping and more.
  • Practical guidance on writing reports, planning effective responses to patient complaints and preparing for attendance at coroner’s court.
  • Professional medical indemnity for work not covered by the state backed-indemnity scheme which meets GMC requirements, pays your legal costs and compensates patients if you face a claim.
  • Practice benefits for GROUPCARE members with employment law and health and safety advice from Peninsula and resources to support your GP team.
  • Exclusive member rate on accountancy, tax and business advisory services with specialist medical accountancy firm, Armstrong Watson LLP.

  • Evidence for your revalidation with MDU risk management courses, local seminars on hot topics plus online CPD for you to access at a time to suit you.
  • Stay up to date with case studies, ethical dilemmas, the MDU journal and our exclusive member-only app for medico-legal guidance on the go.

First year GP frequently asked questions

Do I get further discounts with Red Whale as an MDU Affiliate member?

The Red Whale GP Trainee Essentials package is currently available to GPST 1, 2 and 3s and members may sign up for the package on each of their training years, so you can continue to benefit from this support package throughout your GP training journey. We are also currently offering an exclusive member benefit to those who take up full MDU membership as a first year GP to support you in your early career: one free Red Whale online course of your choice. If you continue your Affiliate membership with the MDU until the end of your GP training, we’ll be in touch to let you know more about this close to when you reach your CCT.

How do you calculate a session?

Your subscription is based on the average number of weekly sessions you work across your membership year, and we define a session as a block of anything up to four hours of clinical work.

Here's how to work out the number of hours worked per week:

  • Do include:
    • anything that might give rise to a clinical negligence claim, such as time spent writing up clinical notes, making referrals, issuing prescriptions and so on
    • regularly worked extra hours (eg, if the surgery frequently overruns)
  • Don't include:
    • time spent on general admin, employee issues, etc.
    • extra hours you might occasionally work (eg, if the surgery occasionally overruns beyond your scheduled hours)
    • annual/study leave or time away from the practice.

Once you know the number of hours you work a week, you can work out the number of sessions:

Calculating sessions

If you’re not sure if your subscription is session-based or you have any questions about calculating sessions, contact our membership team on 0800 716 376.

How long will it take to process my application?

Everyone’s application is unique to their work circumstances.

It’s best to start the application process around four weeks before your current indemnity ends. This will allow plenty of time for your current provider to give you a letter of good standing, if needed.

We’ll keep you regularly updated by email once we’ve received your application. If we haven’t got everything we need, we’ll be in touch to clarify things.

To avoid any gaps in your indemnity, it’s important you don’t cancel your current indemnity until your MDU membership is confirmed.

Can I start work immediately after I’ve applied?

No. It’s important you wait to hear back from us about your application first. Please call our membership team on 0800 716 376 if you require your membership to start sooner.

What information do I need to complete my membership application?

Depending on your role, please have details about your work, registration, qualifications and indemnity history to hand.

I need help completing my application form. Who do I contact?

We’re always here to help and answer any questions. Call our membership team on 0800 716 376 or connect with your local MDU liaison manager here.


Why you should choose the MDU