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.

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.

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.

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.

Patients will not necessarily be in a position to differentiate between you, as a medical student, and a “real” doctor – so it’s up to you to make sure they know who you are.

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.

As a doctor, you may be asked to give evidence in many different types of tribunals, including criminal or civil courts, the coroner’s court and employment or mental health tribunals.