We can provide you with medico-legal advice and support with complaints, coroners’ inquests or disciplinary matters that arise in relation to your clinical care of patients. You will also benefit from our brand new health and wellbeing online resource for free, which you can access on the website.

The GMC, along with the four statutory educational bodies covering the four nations, are all in agreement that trainees should only carry out activity they are competent to do. If they are asked to undertake activity beyond their level of competence, they must be advised to seek workplace guidance from a senior colleague.

As always, our expert medico-legal advisers are available from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (and can be contacted around the clock for urgent enquiries) to answer any medico-legal queries about dealing with the ongoing coronavirus situation, or to offer support to members who need medico-legal advice relating to their professional practice. You can contact them on advisory@themdu.com.

Is it compulsory for students to work as an interim FY1 doctor or to volunteer to help with the COVID-19 pandemic?

Rebecca Gould answers your question on what’s expected of medical students during the pandemic.

It’s not compulsory for students to work as an interim FY1 doctor or to volunteer to help with the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll be able to decide if you wish to work in an interim foundation role or as a volunteer during the outbreak. The GMC says students who choose not to work or volunteer won’t be negatively affected.

You can find out more about the allocation of FiY1 roles on the UK Foundation Programme website.

My MDU membership

Do I need normal F1 membership or does student membership cover me if I start work early?

If you wish to work as an FY1 doctor, including under an F1 locum appointment for training (LAT) contract, it’s essential you have appropriate GMC registration. The GMC have said they will allow final year students to provisionally register to enable them to work as doctors. Your student membership with the MDU will include advice and assistance with any medico-legal matters that arise and you do not need to notify us of this change.

Why do I need MDU membership?

Rebecca Gould explains why it’s important that you have medical defence organisation membership.

You will be state indemnified for clinical negligence for the NHS work you do. However, it’s really vital that you have medical defence organisation membership for any other medico-legal issues that might arise. These include complaints, coroners’ investigations, writing reports for adverse incidents and disciplinary investigations. We have a 24-hour advice line staffed by medico-legal experts who are also doctors who can provide you with advice when you need it. We also offer a range of other benefits including indemnity for Good Samaritan acts and a free online course to help you manage your health and wellbeing.

Coronavirus: medical student questions answered

Student coronavirus FAQ ad 1

Coronavirus: medical student questions answered