Hopefully it will never happen to you, but it’s good to know what happens if you ever need to appear before a fitness to practise panel.

Good communication with patients is vital

Good doctors are good communicators – it’s that simple. This article examines how building your communication skills at medical school will stand you in good stead as a doctor.

We’ve compiled some essential advice you need to know about protecting yourself online. The article looks into cases and GMC guidance around online activity and social media, with key things you need to know as a student doctor.

The effects of stress are felt by thousands of health professionals. Here are our top tips on spotting the signs and dealing with stress.

Dr Leila Touil and Dr Yasmin Ahmed-Little call all junior doctors to rise to the leadership challenge. Here they show you how.

Thinking of a career in emergency general surgery? Read Dr Mike Davies' account of working in ESGU.

Wondering what it's like to be an Anaesthetist? Dr Aidan O'Donnell and Dr Chris MacDonald provide an insight into what it's all about.

Good handovers are essential to provide good continuous care, maintain patient safety and avoid errors. After every handover, all members of the team should have the same understanding of what has been done and the priorities going forward.

Competency, in professional terms, is defined as the ability to perform the tasks and roles required to the expected standard. It can be applied to a doctor at any stage in their career, not only to the newly qualified.

Dr Beatrice Baiden shares her experiences of working in palliative care.

Dr Varun Shankar gives an insight into a busy day on the neurosurgery wards.

Behind misunderstandings and stigma attached to psychiatry, there is a fascinating and rewarding career to be found, write Dr Liz Ewins and Dr Dan Hodgson.

Is there room for empathy and emotion in the clinical setting? Sarah Whitehouse investigates.

Dr Michele Afif, Medicolegal Adviser at Medical Protection, reflects on her experiences of working in paediatrics

Dr Charles Brantly shares his experience of what it takes to learn on the job and become a better doctor each day.

Dr Deborah Bowman discusses the pressure and challenge for new doctors as they begin their career.

Dr Jayne Molodynski provides her top ten tips for surviving your foundation years.

Dr Jonathan Bernstein, one of our medicolegal consultants, highlights the consequences of not notifying the GMC when you finish your F2

Dr Jacqueline Simms’ first night shift as an F2

By taking these steps to properly preparing for a night shift you can minimise the risks for you and your patients, and reduce the likelihood of slipping up.