Help, support and advice for the doctors of tomorrow

Browse our latest articles, interviews and videos created by fellow students and doctors - and find out how the MDU can help you during your studies and throughout your career.

Learn more about MDU membership benefits and join thousands of students of the UK's leading medical defence organisation for free, with access to revision resources, free elective indemnity, member discounts and more.

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Latest student articles

Features

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.
In focus

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.
Features

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.
In focus

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.
Features

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.
Dilemmas

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.
Features

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.
Features

My elective: Dublin

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

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.

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Planning your elective?

We can provide you with free professional indemnity for your clinical practice during your elective, as well as medico-legal support if you need it.

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Get a free dictionary

Apply for MDU membership as a fresher and get a free Oxford Medical Dictionary.

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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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Request sponsorship

Planning an event and looking for sponsorship? Submit a request to your MDU student liaison manager.

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What is indemnity?

Ever wondered what indemnity actually is? We explain what students and doctors need to know.

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Student dilemmas

Dilemmas

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.
Dilemmas

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.
Dilemmas

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.
Dilemmas

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.
Dilemmas

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.
Dilemmas

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.
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Why join the MDU?

  • Monthly articles, interviews, dilemmas and study tips in your dedicated student hub. 

  • Super power your learning with the Synap revision platform.

  • Free elective indemnity and support during your elective.

  • Savings and discounts on textbooks and other resources.

  • Advice and support if you face medico-legal issues during your training.

  • Request sponsorship for virtual or in-person events.