MDU and Red Whale come together to support healthcare professionals' educational needs

Red Whale has joined the MDU group.

Red Whale logo

Red Whale, a leading provider of lifelong learning and education for GPs and primary care clinicians, has joined the Medical Defence Union (MDU) group, it was announced today.

The two organisations, which came together on 31 October 2023, will work hand-in-hand to develop new ways of supporting healthcare practitioners with their educational and professional needs.

Dr Matthew Lee, MDU chief executive, said:

"I am very pleased to be making this announcement today. Red Whale has an exceptional reputation for the quality and depth of its educational courses. By working together, I strongly believe the MDU and Red Whale can deliver even greater support for the medical profession and their ongoing learning requirements.

"The MDU and Red Whale will continue to operate separately, but by bringing together our extensive expertise and experience, we will be in a stronger position to support clinicians with the challenges that lie ahead. This is an exciting time for both organisations."

Dr Caroline Greene, CEO of Red Whale, said:

"I am delighted that Red Whale has found a home at the MDU, an organisation that shares our values. We look forward to working as a distinct company within the MDU group, to continue supporting the educational needs of colleagues in primary care, as we always have, and in future to expand our remit to support the broader health service.

"At these times of immense pressure within the health service, it is vital to offer education that inspires and empowers - and it is our privilege to be able to do this."

Facts about Red Whale

  • Red Whale was founded in 2007 by two practising GPs to help colleagues turn continuous professional development (CPD) into a practical tool to help day-to-day practice.
  • With a staff of around 50 colleagues, it supports approximately 30,000 primary care clinicians every year with their ongoing learning.
  • Educational content is tailored to support different learning styles of clinicians, at different stages in their career; from comprehensive written resources to handbooks to state-of-the art digital content and live events.
  • Red Whale works with commissioners across the UK to deliver tailored educational solution to tackle local issues.
  • Courses are delivered by practising clinicians, are objective and based on best practice with no pharmaceutical company sponsorship taken.
  • Find out more on the Red Whale website.

Facts about MDU

  • The MDU supports over 200,000 members with a range of medico-legal issues - from complaints and claims to professional indemnity and educational courses.
  • Founded in 1885, it was the first medical defence organisation in the world.
  • A mutual organisation, owned by doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals and operating for their benefit.
  • In 2022 medico-legal and dento-legal advisers helped over 30,000 doctors and dentist members needing guidance, support and defence.
  • Find out more on the MDU website.

This page was correct at publication on 12/12/2023. 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.