Doctors in Distress is delighted to be launching our partnership with the Medical Defence Union (MDU) to provide much needed wellbeing support to foundation doctors and medical students.
The partnership, launched today (13th November) to coincide with World Kindness Day, focuses on two initiatives. The first is a series of three 10-week peer support groups for foundation doctors. These informal sessions, run by an accredited facilitator, will have no set conversations, each week the topics the group focus on will be very much driven by the participants themselves.
Alongside the peer support groups, the MDU and Doctors in Distress will also co-host a series of webinars for final year students as part of the latter’s Dr1in4 series. Unfortunately, 1 in 4 doctors will struggle with a mental health difficulty at some point in their career. As such, the Dr1in4 series is designed to break down the barriers around discussing mental health within the healthcare profession through a series of interviews and Q&As. We know that healthcare workers are under an immense amount of stress yet there is little support available for them. Both organisations are particularly committed to supporting students and foundation doctors, to give them the training necessary to help them to effectively process the emotions of their work that they face on a daily basis. We strongly believe that supporting healthcare workers at the beginning of their journey will provide them with the essential tools to be able to mentally cope with the pressures they face.
Dr Caroline Fryar, Director of Medical Services at the Medical Defence Union commented:
“Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals feel overworked, overwhelmed, burned out and under greater pressure than ever before. At the MDU, we are always looking for ways to support our members and partner with organisations who also understand the concerns and difficulties medical professionals are currently facing.
“I’m pleased that through our partnership with Doctors in Distress, our student and foundation members will be able to access a safe, confidential space and psychological support services.”
Ann Paul, Chief Executive Officer at Doctors in Distress said:
“Doctors in Distress is delighted to be partnering with the MDU and is pleased to announce our joint commitment to expanding the provision of confidential and safe spaces for all healthcare professionals. This partnership reinforces our shared dedication to protecting the mental health of medical professionals and furthering our mission to prevent suicide within the profession
Do keep an eye on our social media to find out more about this partnership. If you are a foundation doctor or a student and would like to get involved, please email Susannah Basile at Susannah.basile@doctors-in-distress.org.uk