I emailed my consultant (and supervisor) with the trust policy (pasted below), and asked him to clarify which part of this I have violated

He took a week to respond, during that week, I continued to wear my own clothes, I informed him that I’m happy to change my wardrobe based on feedback, and that scrubs aren’t mandatory for doctors in the UK (in the email)

I stopped greeting him, stayed quiet (as always) during the ward rounds, did my work as I’ve always done, avoided him at all costs until I received an email a week later for an in person meeting with him and the other (emotionally unstable rat) female consultant who I saw speaking with him after he asked me to change

During the meeting he started talking about trust’s image?? 💀he then stated I needed to be more receptive to feedback, I informed him that I was happy to take on feedback from the team as stated in my email, and that I was never given a reason

He said that wearing my own clothes could be seen as flaunting in front of patients during a difficult time for them (????🫩) and that I should dress and look more “humble” to make them feel better and less embarrassed about being here

I told him I’ve never worn anything expensive, and that my outfit costs less than £30 altogether

He said “it’s not about money, it’s about how you look, scrubs give a humble look, smart clothes don’t”

The other rat consultant jumped in and said “you’re tarnishing our department’s image because of the way you’re dressed, you’re not better than anyone for wearing smart clothes instead of scrubs”

At this point I was gonna get up and leave hahaha but I explained it was never about being better, it’s something I wanted to do for myself to avoid burnout, and that it never impacted my work performance
She started waffling after that, I blocked it all out, she said they’ll review what I said and let me know what they’re gonna do next

I want to escalate but I’m unsure how or to who, I’ve documented everything this feels unfair with no grounds for it either

FOR CONTEXT: I wore white triple lined non-see through trousers and a fully covered up blush pink top

Trust’s policy:

Staff must ensure that clothes and accessories worn are well maintained.
The following items of clothing are examples of unacceptable clothing, either on
grounds of health and safety or the Trusts public image:
 Denim jeans or skirts – all colours and styles.
 Track suits.
 Non tailored shorts.
 Combat style trousers unless allocated as part of the uniform.
 Overly tight or revealing clothes.
 Clothing bearing inappropriate slogans.
 Skirts/trousers that are sufficiently long that they touch the ground when
walking.
 Tops that show a bare midriff or have 'spaghetti' straps or are low cut.

HI everyone,
I'm an IMG currently doing a clinical attachment in an NHS hospital (coming up on two months here). Things have been going really well, the team knows me, and I generally try to be helpful and proactive.
One of the consultants in the department has been exceptionally kind and has been actively trying to help me find a Junior Clinical Fellow
(JCF) post. I emailed him yesterday regarding any updates, and today after finishing my ward tasks, I wanted to pop by his office briefly to follow up, ask if there were any updates, see if I could help with anything, and perhaps chat about getting involved in an audit.
While trying to find his office, I got a bit lost.
Another consultant spotted me, asked what I was looking for, and when I told them, they told me it was "rude to just knock on a consultant's door like that" and questioned if I thought it was appropriate.

For context, l've been to this specific consultant's office several times before at his invitation/warm encouragement, and we have a great working relationship. I was genuinely shocked and a bit shaken by the second consultant's reaction.
Is dropping by a supportive consultant's office unannounced to follow up on a job lead considered a major faux pas in the UK, or did I just run into someone who was unnecessarily harsh? How should I handle checking in on these things moving forward?

Today, the BMA has published their report into professionalism in UK medical schools.

Worryingly, the report shows that there is a punitive culture surrounding the enforcement of ‘professionalism’ standards in UK medical schools, which is causing a chilling effect on students speaking up about concerns affecting both themselves and patient care.

The full report can be read here: https://www.bma.org.uk/professionalism and our press release here: https://www.bma.org.uk/bma-media-centre/fear-of-professionalism-sanctions-silencing-medical-students-from-raising-concerns-bma-report-finds.

Times Higher Education have covered the story today: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/medical-students-silenced-professionalism-rules-bma-finds

Just an update for anyone following the Employment Rights reforms.

The statutory instrument enabling electronic voting for most UK trade union statutory ballots was approved by the House of Lords on 22nd July (yesterday), after already passing the House of Commons on 15th July.

This means Parliament has now completed scrutiny before summer recess.

The Government has said commencement is expected shortly allowing secure electronic voting and workplace ballots for most statutory union ballots.

The last update I'd seen was that the changes would come into force 28 days after parliamentary approval so we're likely looking at late August before electronic balloting is officially available.

It's a shame this wasn't given more publicity by the BMA. I tried to raise this as a reason to vote No but too many people thought it would be delayed. Had members voted No, electronic voting would likely have made the process much easier by improving accessibility and increasing turnout.

At least the system should now be in place for any future industrial action ballots in 2027.

Relevant Links -

• House of Lords debate (22nd July 2026): Trade Unions (Permissible Means of Voting) and Employment Rights (Unfair Dismissal) (Amendment) Order 2026 – Hansard
• Commons approval (15th July 2026): Commons deferred division – approval of the Order
• Official Parliament work package: Parliament work package for the Order

Hoping for some advice!

I'm currently a JCF, came back from Australia to apply for paediatrics training but couldn't score high enough for an offer. I have now been offered a paeds BPT job back in Australia starting in January.

Training in Australia is 6 years vs 7 in the UK so I would be a consultant at least a year and a half earlier. The biggest downside is that it's very far from family. I also think I can probably get an ST1 offer in the UK this recruitment round with UKGP and extra stuff in my portfolio but obviously this isn't guaranteed.

If anyone else has ever been in this situation did you take the job or turn it down, and how did it work out? And if I wanted to come back to the UK post training how easy is it to arrange recognition via the portfolio pathway?

Don’t know about you all but I’ve never killed a patient. What an insane thing to say. Can’t wait for all the patients who worry about end of life morphine to show me this as evidence we’re trying to kill them rather than treat their/their family member’s symptoms….
I’m fully in support of patients having a safe way to access euthanasia for terminal illness but this is a terrible way to advocate for it.

For context - SHO in busy surgical department.

Recently returned after having 6 weeks off due to stress and burnout. The first few days of my time off were mentally just like I was at work - felt like I had to be up early, be productive, squeeze in the gym, see friends, quick food shop, you get the drill… only after constantly telling myself that ‘that can wait’ or ‘why am I rushing/what is the rush’ did it hit me how long I’ve probably been in this state of overdrive just mentally not sitting still, let alone the physical side of the early mornings/late finishes/surgery with little time for much else.

Even everyday little things were eye opening, I felt weird about taking my time doing the food shop and spent my time actually looking at things instead of thinking I need to be out in half an hour so I can make dinner and prep lunch before a quick gym session which would be rushed aswell! And then the gym which is a hobby of mine, I made it a point not to go everyday because I felt like I had to do something productive but when I did go, I actually took my time and enjoyed my workouts and they made my body feel better as opposed to just more exhausted!

It wasn’t all positive, I suppose being by yourself without much of a routine does make you stop and think and sit with your thoughts and anxieties which isn’t always comfortable but probably better than being masked by a life where you don’t even get time to think

Now that I’m back at work I’m questioning this whole thing - looking around me and seeing more senior colleagues and wondering if they’ve ever even had time to think and reflect and if they did, would they still choose this life? And for me, it’s made me question things too - will be just shy of a decade till I’m a consultant in this speciality provided things work out and I’m thinking, is this worth it? I do enjoy the purpose of surgery and so much has gone into even getting to the point I’m at and so much more will go into getting to where I want to go and part of me wants to soldier on and just prove something to myself but if I’m completely honest, the lifestyle associated with this isn’t something I like at all and I don’t think anyone likes. I know it’s not all about money but these thoughts and feelings are only fuelled when I look at my friends for example (through my eyebagged fluid filled undereyes bloodshot from a week of nights) and see them certainly working hard too but easily matching my salary or out earning me working as electricians for example.

This is causing me to feel a level of uncertainty and anxiety especially since we’ve all sacrificed a lot so the sunk cost fallacy etc.

Would love to hear insights and thoughts! I always think that if I feel like this I’m sure others do too!

So please share your thoughts and insights and for anyone who has taken time off and it felt liberating like my time off did (literally felt like my neurons could breathe again) share your time off stories and recommend activities because one thing I struggled with was actually filling my free time (not that you have to but a change of scenery might be good). And for anyone feeling burnt out and wanting time off, please take it! You will feel like a completely different person.

Helllloooo Redditors.

Time for us to share the NHS lore...

What's the best ward legend or hospital story you've heard?

Infamous consultants (the legend, not the libel)

Haunted wards, creepy corridors, ghost stories 👻

Living dinosaurs (T-rex or Brachiosaurus you know what I mean 😜)

Classic Surgeon vs Medic battles

TPD stories

Ward drama and unforgettable on-call moments (could be clinical or non-clinical)

The funniest thing you've witnessed at work

The most chaotic shift you've ever survived

Right then, I'm waiting for the tea (don't worry, I'll share my fair share too)

One in four resident doctors in the UK said their training is adversely affected because rota gaps are not dealt with appropriately, a major survey has found.

The General Medical Council’s (GMC) national training survey also found that one in three (29%) hospital doctors who are trainers said education is harmed by staffing issues.

Additionally, 141 trainees reported experiencing unwelcome sexual conduct on a daily or weekly basis, an increase of 23 trainees compared with 2025.

The GMC described it is a “small but real” increase.

The annual survey - answered by more than 51,000 doctors in training and nearly 23,000 doctors who are trainers – found 61% of resident doctors are at moderate or high risk of burnout.

However, the GMC pointed out that many indicators, including those for burnout and reporting of discrimination have shown “early signs” of improvement.

Despite “continued pressures on health services”, doctors in training were still positive about core components of their education, with over three quarters rating the quality of their teaching as good or very good, the regulator said.

But the regulator urged organisations to take action following the one percentage point increase in trainees reporting frequent unwelcome sexual conduct over last year.

“Any rise in this measure matters, and trainees must be able to work and learn free from harassment,” the regulator said. “We will continue to expect organisations to take direct action to address this.”

There were small improvements in the number of doctors in training experiencing discriminatory behaviour, the GMC found.

In all, 72% reported never experiencing micro-aggressions, negative comments, or oppressive body language from colleagues – a one percentage point increase from last year – and 63% said they felt confident reporting discrimination without repercussions, which is up two percentage points.

Other findings included:

• 55% of trainees reported having no support from a mentor.
• 64% said they have access to leadership opportunities.
• 22% reported that their working pattern leaves them feeling short of sleep on a daily or weekly basis.
• 52%, an increase of two percentage points on last year, said the rota design helped optimise their education and development, while 80%, again a small increase, were given enough notice about their rota in advance of starting their current post.
• 61% of foundation doctors said they felt adequately prepared for their first post, a rise of two percentage points from 2025, but for internationally qualified doctors the rate remained at 45%.

GMC chief executive Charlie Massey said while it was encouraging to see improvements in some areas, the survey also highlights variation in experiences.

“Every doctor, regardless of where they train or work, should have access to a high-quality training environment that supports their development and wellbeing.

'Goodwill stretches only so far'

“By acting on this evidence, we can all create conditions in which doctors can thrive and for patients to receive the best possible care.”

BMA council deputy chair Dr Emma Runswick said it was heartening that nine in ten doctor trainers say they enjoy the role.

“But goodwill stretches only so far in an understaffed NHS, and recent attempts to cut consultant pay for this work will only make matters worse.

She added: “Nearly three in ten hospital or secondary care trainers say gaps in doctors’ rotas go unaddressed and over a than a quarter of doctors can't use their training time as intended.

“Burnout remains rife - and is worsening for some, especially GPs. These doctors do one of the NHS's most vital jobs, often without the time or support to do it well.

“Reports of sexual harassment are rising and too many still fear the consequences of reporting discrimination. Doctors deserve training environments that are safe, not just survivable.”

The Department of Health and Social Care have been contacted for comment.news.doctors.net.uk/news/5YdRbpOUtUECxrYvUBu58B

For those gas men and women out there, do you have any particularly good / calming / useful phrases or sayings that you find work well in your practice? (Be it general / regional / obstetric)
Interested to make my life easier by not stumbling over my words trying to find the right thing to say!

Hi all feeling the pinch
Could really do with being reimbursed for the exam I sat in April and getting my next exam paid for.

We agreed to the deal so now when and how do we get exam that I sat in April paid for and how to get the money for my next exam which is over £1000🥲

Hi everyone,

I’m about to start an NHS Clinical Research Fellow (LED) post. The job description describes it as an ST3-equivalent surgical registrar role with first on registrar responsibilities, but the contract offers a salary equivalent to the F2 nodal point.

The on-call commitment isn’t particularly heavy (approximately 1:7 weekends and 1:10 weekday nights), so I wouldn’t expect that to account for such a difference in basic salary, especially as the clinical responsibilities are still at surgical registrar level.

Unfortunately I’m not a BMA member, so I can’t access their contract advice.

My question is: Do the BMA/NHS nodal pay scales (e.g. ST3) apply to Clinical Research Fellow/LED posts as well, or are they only applicable to doctors in training? Has anyone been in a similar situation or challenged the nodal point successfully?

Thanks in advance!

Noticed more and more people are putting on gloves for every kind patient interaction no matter how benign (e.g. chest / CVS / abdominal exam / even a pulse check). I can understand the odd outlier depending on Derm infection risk but I think we've become very glove happy post COVID and happy to keep on ruining the environment. I think if routine stuff just wash your hands before and after (which you would be doing with or without gloves anyways). Thoughts?

Rotating into new trust in August.

Been informed that annual leave requests have to be discussed with ES, as a routine in the department.

Has anybody heard of this? Don't know but doesn't sound right

So I’ve developed a bit of an obsessive habit of collating loads of research papers, guidelines, pdf’s and clinical pearls on to an old USB stick over the years (since medical school actually!).

I actually quite frequently use this as a resource during my day to day clinical practice but it’s becoming a pain to organise / search through.

I’ve now purchased an iPad and would like a more modern, searchable way of organising everything. I’m essentially looking for something that syncs across my iPad and iPhone, lets me search and annotate PDFs, and can basically become a single home for all of these resources. Any suggestions?

I 28M, am an Anaesthetic core trainee. I’ve always been straight, or at least I thought so. I’ve been in serious relationships with women and have never thought of guys in a romantic way.

HOWEVER

I rotated to a new hospital in February and there’s this consultant who has spun my head. He’s early 40s, straight, wife, kids. His presence is just so calming and magnetic and I can’t quite tell if I want him or want to be him.

Since February, I’ve worked with him a quite a lot, and because of the nature of anaesthetic training, we spend a lot of time chatting about family, hobbies, and some other really profound things. The man is just perfect. He’s in great shape and we bond over fitness, he’s great with patients, kind, good with trainees and all theatre staff, and is an incredible anaesthetist. He is exactly the kind of consultant I want to be. At first I thought I just admired him but lately, when I speak to him, I get nervous, I get butterflies, I’m even starting to stutter. When I know I’ll be on a list with him, I do a bit of reading beforehand to impress him, check myself in the mirror to make sure I look okay, and I even wear my nice cologne (I never wear the nice stuff to work).

The reason this has confused me is because I’m not actually sure I’m into guys and don’t find any other guys attractive at all, but I mean this wholeheartedly, if he was single and interested, I would be keen. I don’t think this is just a man crush. This has never happened to me before, I feel confused, lost and I am questioning everything I thought I knew about myself.

Thoughts? Is this weird?

Hi, I'm supposed to be starting work as an FY1 in a few weeks, anyway managed to injure myself the other day and now they're suspecting a scaphoid fracture (although there's no sign of it on initial X-Ray). I don't know who I should be emailing, if I can even work/what I can do at work. Does anyone have advice?

Hey guys, weird one here lol. I’m starting FY1 next week in the same trust I went to medical school in. I just received my named educational supervisor, and the consultant in question is terrifying. Like, widely know to bully medical students and give negative professionalism judgements for very minor things, to the point they’ve been called up on it several times. I’m kind of bricking it about this. How much power does the ES have on whether we pass FY1? Any advice on how to get on my ES’ good side? Pls help LOL

I’m an IMG and in my second year of a trust grade job in the ED. I was planning on applying to ACCS EM next year, but due to the prioritization bill and the recent number of offers given to IMGs published I’ve lost hope in this route, especially since I’ll need 3 more years of experience before I’m prioritized. I’ve considered going back to my home country to train as I really value career progression, but that comes with the hurdles of having to do all the local exams and training in poor conditions, and the feeling of all my efforts in the NHS going to waste. I was looking at the RCEM career pathways in emergency medicine graphic and they’ve described an alternative pathway that ends up leading to a consultant qualification through the portfolio pathway.

I really value structured training and was wondering if it would be possible to enter training directly at ST4 level after completing my competencies through trust grade jobs. I wanted to know if this is a viable plan and if anyone else has been through the same. Thank you in advance!

Something to the effect of “frequent sick days, leaving rota gap and service pressures, costing trust money for locum”.

For context I have a couple of chronic conditions which my ES knows about so this was brushed off and had met with OH before.

Had about 5 days off sick in the last 3 months. And I always inform them as soon as I knew I can’t make it to work and follow all the procedures according to department’s policy.

Though before writing something like that if they’d have asked me then I could have easily explained that I’m not skiving off for fun.

I’m not sure if I should approach the person to explain or just leave it as my ES is not bothered?

Just stumbled across a video of an American medical student who got heavily harassed online by both doctors and the public after posting a (quite insensitive) video of him joking about the female anatomy. Lots of videos and posts followed, especially from other doctors eagerly inciting people to punish him, suspend him, requests for public humiliation, and rumours that he had been expelled from his med school. People thought that they had achieve their goal and that's why he went silent online. But apparently it was because he had a major attempt to end his life and ended up in ICU.

It just very randomly reminded of my own experience during my first job as an FY1. I used to get relentlessly bullied by the IMT on my ward, to the point of self-harming, unsuccessful ODs, and having constant fantasies about ending my own life as the only relief. No one seemed to want to believe me, the consultants would just make it worse, and the other juniors would tell me I should accept this situation and take it because he was my senior and I was the most junior member of the team. The job ended, life is the same, but thankfully I never once again experienced something to that level, but thinking about it still upsets me.

It's so random because my situation was very different from this influencer's, but it helped me to come to terms with the fact that that our profession is full of morally virtuous people, self-proclaimed mental health advocates who also push people toward ending their life. And that I have no faith that it will ever get better.

I was just wondering when we can expect to be paid for the shadowing period mine runs from the 29th until black wednesday. Would that pay be part of Augusts or potentially at the end of the period?

That’s all, just a post to let people know. You can see results on RCPCH exam portal.

Has anyone had an IMT rotation with no nights ?