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Practices should not overload student medics, says Medical Defence Union

by
11 September 2007

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The Medical Defence Union (MDU) has today warned practices that medical students should follow certain rules so that they are not disqualified from registering as a doctor with the GMC.

The GMC’s new guidance states that medical students should not exceed their limits and should ask for help.

They should also not mislead anyone by misrepresenting their position or abilities and ensure that they are supervised on all clinical tasks.

Patients should also have consented to a student being involved in their care.

Dr Hugh Stewart, MDU medico-legal adviser said: “We encourage all medical student members to read the new guidances as it sets out the standards against which they may be judged and if in doubt, to contact us,

“Medical students who are MDU members can also seek our assistance with their  medical schools’ student FTP procedures.”

The new laws allow the GMC to consider a graduate’s fitness to practise even before they graduate or register as a doctor.

Dr Stewart added: “Wherever possible students should receive increased support or remedial training, rather than face formal fitness to practice procedures.”

General Medical Council

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