The scenario
A medical student on a hospital placement was made aware of concerns about their rotation supervisor behaving inappropriately and being rude to patients.
They learned that one of the alleged incidents took place during a clinic they'd been sitting in on. However, it became clear that the concern stemmed from a consultation with a patient who had asked the student to leave the room.
An investigator later approached the student to provide a witness statement about their experience with the supervisor and what happened during the clinic.
While the student had not personally witnessed anything inappropriate, they weren't sure about how to respond. They worried about being seen as uncooperative or too involved, and whether this could impact future rotations or references. They called the MDU for advice.
MDU advice
Being asked to contribute to an investigation is understandably concerning, and it can be particularly difficult when this relates to a colleague or supervisor's behaviour.
However, it's important to raise concerns about any risks to the safety or dignity of patients and colleagues so they can be properly investigated and addressed if necessary. Qualified doctors have a professional obligation to raise concerns in line with the GMC's guidance.
Hospitals and universities should have formal procedures for investigating and managing health, conduct and clinical performance of their employees.
Responding to requests for information
You might be unsure whether you are required to respond to a request for information from an investigator. However, doctors are expected to contribute to incident reviews and patient safety investigations, and in the GMC's guidance for medical students, 'Achieving good medical practice', it makes it clear that this applies to medical students too.
It's therefore important to acknowledge any request and respond in a timely manner.
Acting as a witness
When acting as a witness, it's important that any statement you provide is factual, accurate and not misleading. The GMC expects doctors to be honest and trustworthy, and as a student preparing to join the profession, you'll be expected to demonstrate these qualities as well.
You must be clear about the extent (or limits) of your involvement, and any statement should be written in a neutral, factual manner, avoiding speculation.
Sometimes investigators will ask to interview you instead of asking you to provide a written statement. It's usually helpful to prepare a draft statement in advance so you're clear on the timeline of events and feel prepared about what you will say.
Ask for support
Being involved in a formal investigation, even as a witness, can be upsetting and stressful. You shouldn't feel you have to handle this alone.
It's often helpful to speak to a senior member of staff who you know and trust, like your personal tutor. They'll be able to support you through the process and can offer guidance on anything you aren’t sure about.
The outcome
In this case, the student explained to the investigator they had not been present during the consultation from which the allegation arose, but would be happy to provide a statement about what happened during the clinic.
With support from their MDU adviser, they prepared a short, factual statement that set out their recollection of the clinic. They included that the patient had requested to be seen without a medical student present.
The student also spoke to their university personal tutor, who reassured them that they had handled the situation appropriately, and that this should not affect their future placements.
This is a fictionalised case compiled from actual MDU case files.
Need help? Contact us
Student members can contact our medico-legal advisers for support or call us on 0800 716 646 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.
This page was correct at publication on 04/03/2025. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
by Dr Rachel Stewart
Rachel is a medico-legal adviser at the MDU, having initially joined as a medico-legal fellow in 2022. Prior to this, she worked as a clinical fellow in plastic, reconstructive and burns surgery. She graduated from the University of Edinburgh, and it was during this time that her interest in law and medical ethics began, working as a committee member of the Medical Ethics and Humanities Society. She enjoys teaching and mentoring, and has completed a Master of Education degree in Surgical Education from Imperial College London.