All student articles - The MDU

Real member stories and advice

Browse all our student hub articles, interviews and videos across a variety of topics – including careers, ethical issues, dilemmas, wellbeing and more.

Want to contribute? Get in touch to pitch your ideas to our editors. We're always on the lookout for articles or videos on your experiences and reflections as a student or foundation doctor.

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I prescribed antibiotics for a friend and now they’re in hospital – what do I do?

A junior doctor faces repercussions when his friend is hospitalised after inappropriate prescribing.

Why I took an NHS career break to travel the world

Six months into his year-long travels, Kai Chi reflects on his decision to take time out of his training programme and offers advice to those considering the same.

What to expect from a student fitness to practise investigation

The MDU's Zoe Wood explains what a fitness to practise investigation is and what to expect before, during and after the process.

Seven study tips to ace your medical exams

James Gupta, founder of the Synap revision app, offers tips for preparing for your exams using spaced learning and other study principles.

When am I officially a doctor?

A patient calls you 'Dr' while you're on placement - should you correct them? Here's how to accurately represent your qualifications, experience and professional identity.

Help! I have feelings for a patient

A foundation doctor feels conflicted after being asked out for a drink by a patient, and calls the MDU advice line for advice on what to do.

Are you using social media ethically?

Medico-legal adviser Sabrina Cardillo explores the ethical responsibilities of using photos or videos on social media as a medic and how to stay within GMC guidance.

Help! I upset a colleague

A foundation doctor calls the MDU for advice after they unknowingly upset a colleague during a tense interaction.

Money matters: budgeting tips to help you in 2024

Juggling your finances at medical school can be daunting, so we’ve asked the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund for money-saving tips and advice.

Reflections and resolutions

As 2024 approaches, we ask three medical students (and an FY1) to look back at their triumphs, challenges and lessons from 2023, and to share their resolutions for the year ahead.

Should I give an estranged parent access to their child’s medical records?

A GP in England considers whether to disclose a child’s notes after the child’s estranged father requests access.

Is doing an intercalation year post-UKFPO changes worth it?

Fourth-year medical student Jemi Maliyil thinks it is. Here, Jemi explains why she decided to intercalate, despite recent changes to the UK Foundation Programme Office applications.

ScotGEM: an alternative pathway to medicine

From civil engineering to medicine – why Sara Cali chose an alternative route to working as a doctor within NHS Scotland.

What should I do if I'm sexually harassed by a colleague?

A foundation doctor calls the MDU for advice after experiencing inappropriate behaviour and unwanted physical contact on multiple occasions.

Can I amend patient records if key information is missing?

An FY1 doctor calls the MDU for advice after spotting crucial information missing from a patient's discharge summary.

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 health.

My elective: Dublin

MDU member Tajri Salek shares her experiences of working in the radiology department in a hospital in Dublin, Ireland.

Five common prescribing errors – and how the PSA can help

Medico-legal advisers Rachel Stewart and Jenna Fowler offer advice on minimising risk with prescribing errors and preparing for the Prescribing Safety Assessment.

The Mental Capacity Act: a practical guide for students

IMCA, OPG, LPA – these are all commonly used terms you may come across while on placement. But what do they mean? Dr Ellie Mein decodes the Mental Capacity Act.

My experience as an FY1 with Dr Emily Kelly

Dr Emily Kelly talks to us about her first year as a foundation doctor.

I'm considering doing an FY3: what are my options?

Deciding whether to take an FY3 is a big decision. Dr Seema Pattni shares some advice on exploring the best choice for you.

Planning your FY3 and fulfilling GMC requirements

Considering an FY3? Make sure you work in an approved practice setting to fulfil your GMC requirements, explains MDU deputy head of advisory Catherine Wills.

Help! I'm facing a fitness to practise hearing

A student worries about his future career when his conduct and professionalism is called into question.

This is what it's like inside an emergency medicine VR simulator

Two medical students discuss their experience of virtual reality training in emergency situations.

What I learned during my surgical FY1 rotation

FY1 Dr Kithmini Gamage reflects on her first surgical rotation and offers advice for new foundation doctors.

Preparing a witness statement

A student calls the MDU advice line when asked to write a witness statement by the police.

Three signs of burnout and how to tackle it

Sherin Zacharia, Rohan Devani and Rohan Shankarghatta explore the most common signs of burnout and what they learnt from doctors about dealing with stress.

How to avoid allegations of plagiarism in the age of AI

Medico-legal adviser Dr Ellie Mein says doctors and medical students risk their reputation by inadvertently plagiarising other’s work. But in the age of increasingly sophisticated AI technology, can you spot the genuine article from the fake?

Working within your competence during your elective

The MDU’s medico-legal fellow Rachel Stewart offers tips on maintaining professionalism and being aware of your capabilities during your elective.

Getting consent when observing patients

A medical student found herself the subject of a patient complaint after she’d observed during an examination by a consultant neurologist.

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.

Why I decided to become... a portfolio GP

Dr Radhika Vohra explains how she added variety to her career as a GP after developing an interest in women's health.

Making the move from student to FY1

Hannah Gleeson reflects on the joys and challenges that come with transitioning into your first foundation year, with tips for new FY1s.

Mythbusting: what is indemnity?

Watch our three new mythbusting videos, where we unpack some of your most burning questions.

I asked a friend to sign in for me – now I’m facing an investigation

A student faces a fitness to practise investigation after asking another student to sign in to a teaching session for them following a party.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance as a medical student

Amana Qayum, a fourth-year medical student from Manchester, discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

A confidentiality breach

A confidentiality breach causes one final year student to worry about the impact this may have on the patient, themselves and the hospital.

How to prioritise your mental health

We all struggle with our mental health, but Amana Qayum explains how she tries to prioritise peace as a medical student.

Why I decided to become... an anaesthetist

The MDU’s medico-legal fellow Jessica Lee was drawn to anaesthetics because of a love of biology and problem-solving.

How we help

What is the MDU, and why is membership free for students? We answer some of the most common questions about what we do.

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