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Health: help for trainees
It's known that doctors and dentists don't make good patients, and
often don't provide a good model for their trainees, who often may not
make good patients either. Trainees often invoke their own rules
regarding their ill health
managementhttp://www.oxforddeanerycdu.org.uk/health/medic_support.html.
Justification for such an approach has included a desire not to let
colleagues or patients down and concerns about exams, competency
assessments and references.
Advice for trainees with health problems
- Avoid self-investigation and self-medication.
- Avoid seeking specialist advice from medical colleagues - this can
place your professional colleagues in a difficult position, lead to
unnecessary investigations and the possibility of fragmented care.
- Do not work if ill - you may infect others and your reduced performance may be dangerous for patients.
- Remember that doctors and dentist are no less vulnerable than
others to physical and psychological health problems, including stress
and depression. Be aware how acute and chronic stress can affect your
performance as a doctor. If you feel that stress is contributing to
your problems consider referring yourself to Medic Support , a free confidential service for trainee doctors in the Oxford Deanery.
- Make sure you inform your colleagues, your consultant and medical
staffing if you have to go off sick (and keep them informed of your
progress). You will need to submit a self-certificate (available from
medical staffing) if away more than three days.
- Register with a GP, make appropriate appointments to see them and
provide sick certificates to medical staffing if away for more than
seven days. Most GP's have arrangements to see acutely ill patients on
the same day. If you have difficulty getting an appointment, ask to
speak to a GP on the phone and explain that you are a hospital doctor.
- If you have long term or recurrent short term sickness absence, ask
to be referred to Occupational Health. Occupational Health can request
reports (with your permission) from your GP, are well placed to liaise
with medical staffing and your educational supervisor, and can
proactively manage a gradual return to work. Occupational Health can
also provide a range of support and help if you have a chronic
disabling condition.
- The length of sickness absence allowed in each grade before training is affected is:
- Foundation trainee F1 and F2: three weeks in a four-month post,
four weeks in a six-month post, or a total of four weeks overall in the
year.
- Senior house officer: four weeks in a two-year period
- GP registrar: two weeks in a 12-month post
- Specialist registrar: three months in total over the period of SpR training before the date of a CCST is affected.
- If you have to make adjustments to your career because of ill
health or a disability, the Career Development Unit can offer career
guidance and resources. Self-refer on cdu@oxford-pgmde.co.uk
- Check out national resources
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