The Importance of Doctors' Health and Wellbeing

The Importance of Doctors' Health and Wellbeing




written and collected by Mohamed Hassan 

Disclaimer
You have to check the up-to-date information about the topic 
also, review the local legal regulations 

Introduction

Being a doctor is a demanding and noble profession that comes with its own set of challenges and risks. Doctors play a critical role in society, providing essential healthcare services and expertise. However, the nature of their work can have a significant impact on their health and well-being. It is crucial to address these issues to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of doctors, as it not only affects their own lives but also has implications for patient care and the overall healthcare system.

The Health Risks Faced by Doctors

Doctors are exposed to various health risks due to the nature of their work. They are at risk of developing both acute and chronic conditions, just like their patients. Additionally, doctors may be victims of aggression, especially when working in frontline services. Medicine itself poses health risks, as doctors can catch infectious diseases from their patients. However, despite being knowledgeable about healthcare, doctors often neglect their own well-being. Studies have shown that doctors tend to underuse health services, avoid screening and immunizations, and face difficulties in accessing healthcare. This underutilization of healthcare services can have detrimental effects on their own health.

The work environment for doctors also contributes to their health risks. Many health professionals report excessive workload, poor rewards, negativity in relationships, and institutional failures. These factors can exacerbate the risks faced by doctors. Additionally, the choice of specialty, career stage, and gender can also influence the health risks experienced by doctors. Psychological problems, such as burnout and depression, are more common early on in doctors' careers. The demanding nature of medical work, coupled with high personal responsibility and exposure to suffering, can contribute to these psychological issues.

The Impact of Doctors' Health on the Healthcare System

The health of doctors is not only important for their own well-being but also for the functioning of the healthcare system as a whole. The training of doctors requires significant investment of resources, both public and personal. Any loss of trained doctors due to avoidable ill health is a waste of resources and disrupts the healthcare system. When doctors are unwell, they may not be able to provide optimal care to their patients, leading to potential risks. Doctors themselves recognize that excessive work demands and burnout can result in suboptimal care.

Moreover, there are personal tragedies that arise from allowing doctors to be treated differently from other patients. Doctors should have access to healthcare services like any other individual, and their health concerns should be addressed promptly and appropriately. By prioritizing the health and wellbeing of doctors, we can create a more sustainable healthcare system that benefits both healthcare professionals and patients.

Enhancing Resilience: A Key Solution

Resilience plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of doctors. Resilience can be defined as the ability to succeed and develop in a positive way despite adverse events and conditions. It involves maintaining a healthy trajectory in the face of stress and adversity. Building resilience can help doctors cope with the challenges they face in their professional lives.

Education plays a vital role in enhancing resilience among doctors. By incorporating resilience-building strategies into medical training, we can equip doctors with the necessary skills and coping mechanisms to navigate the demands of their profession. This can include providing meaningful tasks, increasing complexity in learning, and focusing on planning, managing anxiety, and long-term goals. Educators should also consider the content of what doctors learn, how they learn, and the environments in which they learn, in order to enhance resilience effectively.

Reflective practice is another important component in sustaining energy and resilience. By recognizing and acknowledging stressors, exploring coping strategies, and discussing work-life balance, workplace culture, and professional expectations, doctors can better manage their own well-being. Supportive measures within the workplace, such as professional development opportunities, a culture of support and safety, and flexibility in working conditions, can also contribute to enhancing resilience.

Seeking Help and Support

It is crucial for doctors to recognize when they need help and seek support. The stigma surrounding mental health issues in the medical profession often prevents doctors from seeking assistance. However, it is essential to break this silence and encourage doctors to reach out for help when needed. Doctors should be registered with a GP outside their family who can provide objective advice on managing health concerns. Occupational health services, if available, can also offer support and guidance.

Colleagues can play a significant role in supporting doctors' health and wellbeing. They understand the challenges and pressures of the profession and can provide assistance by reducing workloads or offering emotional support. It is important for doctors to accept help that is offered and to listen and respond to their colleagues' concerns.

Furthermore, it is crucial for doctors to be aware of the role of the General Medical Council (GMC) in monitoring and regulating the medical profession. If a doctor's practice is affected by health issues, they may come to the attention of the GMC. Seeking help early and cooperating with any necessary health assessments can help prevent the situation from escalating to GMC scrutiny. The GMC is generally sympathetic towards doctors with health problems, provided they show insight and cooperate with the necessary assessments.

Sources of Support for Doctors

Several organizations and resources are available to support doctors in times of need. These include:

  • Royal Medical Benevolent Fund (RMBF): Offers advice and support to doctors facing health issues or difficult circumstances. Provides financial assistance, equipment/adaptation support, and support for retraining and professional fees.
  • NHS Practitioner Health Programme: Provides confidential care and support for doctors and dentists in England with health concerns or addictions that may affect their work. Similar services are available in Scotland and Ireland.
  • BMA Wellbeing Support Services: Offers counseling and peer support for all doctors and medical students, regardless of BMA membership.
  • Doctors' Support Network: Provides peer support for doctors and medical students with mental health concerns.
  • Local support: Doctors can also seek support from their own GP, Local Medical Committee (LMC), and occupational health departments within hospitals.

Benefit and Debt Advice

Doctors may also require benefit and debt advice in times of financial difficulty. The following organizations can provide assistance:

  • Royal Medical Benevolent Fund (RMBF)
  • Royal Medical Foundation
  • The Cameron Fund
  • BMA Charities
  • Elizabeth Finn Fund
  • Cavell Trust
  • RCN Foundation
  • Society for the Assistance of Medical Families

Educational Resources

Continuous learning and professional development are essential for doctors' growth and well-being. The following resources can support doctors in their educational journey:

  • BMA Learning and Development
  • GMC Guidance and Interactive Learning Tools
  • E-Learning for Health
  • BMJ Learning
  • Doctors.Net
  • OnMedica

Legal Support

In cases where doctors require legal assistance, the following organizations can provide guidance:

  • Advocate
  • Law Society Solicitor Search
  • Advice Now
  • National Pro Bono Centre
  • University of Law Legal Advice for the Public

Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing is an important mechanism for raising concerns in the workplace. Doctors who need to report issues can seek assistance from:

  • Protect (formerly Public Concern at Work)
to be continued in more posts
Good luck
thank you

Comments

Post a Comment

Posts

Tax refund issue

Image
Tax refund issue: Collected and written by: Mohamed Hassan  Disclaimer You have to check the up-to-date information about the topic also, review the local legal regulations  Praise be to God, after working for a year in Britain, I applied for a tax refund and got an amount of 1137 pounds. I will explain that I submitted a refund for any expenses, how much money I asked for, and how much did it get back to me. 1- GMC and Royal College of Anesthesiology fees 505 pounds 2- The allowance for washing work clothes is 125 pounds 3- 48 pounds as a transportation allowance for some courses (since the hospital covered the costs of the courses, but without transportation) 4- 2093 pounds for exam fees and exam courses, knowing that I am not in a training program. The total amount was: 2852 pounds and manly 1137.60 pounds, which is 40 per cent of the amount required.   The amount was returned within seven days from the date of submitting the application, and it was deposited in m...
Read more

What you need to do when come to the UK

Image
What you need to do when come to the UK : Written by Mohamed Hassan  1. Get a sim card with a good offer, compare between offers using uSwitch application by your place postcode 2. Brp collection for yourself and your family members  3. Contact hr as soon as possible 4. contact the head of your department, and your colleagues in the department especially from your home country  5. Sign the contract  6. Get your contract copy  7. Get 5 copies of a letter addressed to whom may concern to ( with and without the salary shown on them )  you would need them for different reasons  to to apply for bank account,rent a place  ,Amazon, driving license, renew your leave with your previous employer ( as in your home country so do not give them one with your salary 😃) make sure these letter contain your full name ,dob ,passport number ,length and dates of your contact and or salary and or brp numbers  https://join.monzo.com/c/6smsmwh (5 £ bonus for just u...
Read more

فسحة لندن London tour in arabic version

Image
كتب محمد حسن فسحة لندن  أيا كان دى فسح مجمعة فى لندن كلها للعيلة او للأفراد حسب الوقت و الميزانية و كذلك خفة الحركة الاولاد او للمجموعات و مجرد مقترحات ..و انا عملت الحاجات دى فعلا مع أسرتى او مع أصحابى .. سواء الباكدج دى او اللى بعدها أو اللى تعجبك بس متنساش تاخد باص لندن الكبير .. https://rb.gy/i6jtap SEA LIFE London Aquarium + London Eye + Big Bus Standard Save up to 40% when booked together Prices from  £60.00 او  SEA LIFE London Aquarium + Madame Tussauds London + Big Bus Standard Save up to 42% when booked together Prices from  £60.00 هتاخد جولة باص لندن الاحمر الكبير Big London bus ( الجولة دى ضمن الباقة و ارخص لو اختارتها ضمن الباقة ) هيلف لندن كلها فى جولة طويلة و ممكن تركب الباص دا و تنزل منه فى كل معلم سياحى تتصور و تتفسح و بعد كدا تطلع فى الباص اللى بعديه  و تطبيق الباص (عشان يعرفك انت نازل فين https://www.bigbustours.com/en/london/mobileapp   و تروح المزار او المعلم السياحى اللى بعديه Big London bus بس يفضل طبعا تطبع التذاكر فى مكتبة او لو م...
Read more

Useful Audio/Podcasts for GP Doctors in the UK to Listen to During Commute

Image
Useful Audio/Podcasts for GP Doctors in the UK to Listen to During Commute Collected by: Mohamed Hassan  Unleash Your Commute: Must-Listen Podcasts for Doctors in the UK Are you tired of the same old traffic jams and crowded train rides during your daily commute to work? Well, guess what? Your commute just got a whole lot more exciting! We've curated a list of the best podcasts that will not only make your journey fly by but also leave you informed, entertained, and inspired. Say goodbye to boredom and hello to some fantastic audio companions! As a GP doctor in the UK, your commute to work can be a valuable time to stay updated and learn new things. Here are some useful audio/podcasts that you can consider listening to during your commute: 1. **Boggled Docs** : This podcast covers a wide range of medical topics and discusses how they relate to what's in the media, on TV, and in the news[1]. 2. **GPnotebook Podcast**: The GPnotebook podcast provides insights and discussions on ...
Read more

Taking a break ?

Image
Taking a break? written By Mohamed Hassan Disclaimer You have to check the up-to-date information about the topic  also, review the local legal regulations    Taking a break from work is essential for everyone, but it is especially important for those working in the healthcare industry. Doctors and other healthcare professionals working in the UK's NHS system are no exception. According to a study by the Royal College of Physicians, a significant percentage of doctors suffer from burnout and mental health issues due to the stressful nature of their work. Hence, it's important for them to take a break from work and recharge their batteries. Here are ten advantages of taking a holiday for doctors working in the UK under the NHS system: Reduces stress and burnout [ 1 ] Improves mental health and well-being [ 1 ] Enhances creativity and productivity [ 1 ] Boosts energy and improves sleep quality [ 1 ] Helps to create a better work-life b...
Read more

Up to date learning resources

Up-to-date learning resources    Free Sources for learning resources and CBDs :  A re you an IMG doctor or a UK doctor who wants to collect CPDs , get all the online courses you need, and improve your appraisal? We've got you covered with some helpful resources. If you're an IMG or UK doctor looking to collect CPD points, there are plenty of helpful resources available online.  ELFH : One such resource is ELFH, which offers free online courses and can be accessed at https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/.   ESR NHS website Another option is the ESR NHS website, which also offers free online courses and can be accessed at https://my.esr.nhs.uk/dashboard/web/esrweb  BMJ learning is another popular choice, with an annual subscription available through BMA subscription and you can claim tax relief at the end of the year and can be accessed at https://learning.bmj.com/  UpToDate :  Other options include UpToDate, which is free and can be accessed after as...
Read more

who do you need to report any address changes

Image
Who do you need to report any address changes:   written and collected by Mohamed Hassan  Disclaimer You have to check the up-to-date information about the topic  also, review the local legal regulations  1-GMC 2- HMRC 3- Banks 4- Stores as Tesco, Morrison, Ikea etc  5- Mobile and internet  providers 6- DVLA 7- Amazon and ebay and and any online deliveries  8- Car insurance 9- DBS update service 10- DSL 11- Gas, electricity and water suppliers 12- UKVI if you have an application awaiting decision 13- NHS ESR - trust  14- Old and new council 15- New GP (actually this a new GP registration not update of address) and  dental surgery 16- Indemnity insurance 17- Professional bodies as royal college or BMA 18- TV licence 19- HEE 20.work  
Read more

That is how I got my mother in law visa (apply for a visa for parents )

Image
That is how I got my mother in law visa (applying for a visa for parents ) written and collected by Mohamed Hassan  Disclaimer You have to check the up-to-date information about the topic  also, review the local legal regulations  Your bank account statement recent as proof of sponsorship A letter from your employer as proof you can afford the expenses  Your tenancy agreement as a proof of address Papers showing that your parents have a home tie like they own flats, houses or they have a current job over there  Or a family certificate showing that they have other family members related to them and they have to look after them like brothers or sisters younger than you Parents' bank account if available Reason for their travel for example if you have a pregnant wife and she is going to deliver and you need someone to look after her etc 
Read more

Finding a house or moving houses ? here is your guide

Image
Finding a house or moving houses? here is your guide : written and collected by Mohamed Hassan  Disclaimer You have to check the up-to-date information about the topic  also, review the local legal regulations    Moving to a new country can be an exciting, yet challenging experience. As an IMG doctor, you may face various obstacles while settling in the UK. However, with proper research and preparation, you can make your transition smoother and more comfortable. When searching for a hospital to work in, it is essential to consider factors beyond the workplace. In addition to asking people in the area, you can use Google Maps to explore the surroundings. Look for nearby places such as mosques, halal restaurants, halal butchers, and halal groceries   It's also crucial to check for important services such as supermarkets, and malls within the town. This information will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you make informed decisions. Another imp...
Read more

Guide to Surgical Training in the UK for IMGs

Image
  Guide to Surgical Training in the UK for IMGs Collected and written by: Mohamed Hassan  Disclaimer You have to check the up-to-date information about the topic also, review the local legal regulations.  Guide to Surgical Training in the UK for IMGs FAQ: If I take a surgical residency in Egypt, does this reduce my chances of being accepted into a service job for a non-surgical post?  And if I take a surgical speciality in Egypt for less than 18 months, can I find a training job easily?  And is the MRCS better than Plab in applying for surgical jobs, or is there no difference If you are an international medical graduate (IMG) looking to pursue surgical training in the UK, you may have questions about the process and requirements. In this blog post, we will provide a guide and study plan for the surgical training curriculum and CREST form, as well as answer some common questions about surgical training in the UK. Surgical Training Curriculum The surgi...
Read more