Your BMA: here for you

I want to tell you that you’re not alone. 

In recent days I’ve noticed an awful lot of colleagues seem to feel apathetic, exhausted, or even broken. Being a medical student or doctor at the moment isn’t easy. I’ve often reflected on the struggles in my role, and I hope writing about these things and sharing might help.

Perhaps it’s the change of season – as the darkness outside our home and workplaces each morning and evening seems to close in on our lives at this time of year. Perhaps we’re all exhausted after such a long period of fighting through industrial action. And, no doubt, on top of that, we all face the everyday difficulties, which should never be normalised, of pressure at work, rota struggles and a feeling that we aren’t in control of our working lives to the extent that we should be. 

For many in our profession there has also been the increasing tragedy of struggling to find work, navigating our clearly broken specialty and general practice training application system – it is beyond remarkable that in a system creaking such as ours, with so much need in our communities, and a long-term workforce plan in place that crystallises these concerns, that we should be seeing GPs, resident doctors or any members of our profession left without the employment they have studied and trained so relentlessly for. It shames our system and lets down our patients. It is nothing short of scandalous.

For my part, some of the worries and struggles we all have, come at the same time as trying to be the best parent I can to two young children with a husband who is also a resident doctor juggling rotas. I haven’t taken maternity leave for my youngest and that has meant having him with me in meetings that I’m chairing and by my side all the time as I try to do this job to the best of my ability. I know these are challenges many people face whether you’re a parent or a carer or just struggling to balance work and life outside. I hope by sharing mine we can all feel less alone.

The BMA can be a source of help during more difficult times – and I would encourage anyone who feels they are struggling, that they are alone, or helpless, to contact us. We have a brilliant wellbeing service that is here 24/7 for you – 0330 123 1245. If in financial distress do consider approaching BMA Charities, the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, the Cameron Fund or the Royal Medical Foundation among others. There is always support available and you can access it. No worry is too small. 

One thing I have always believed is that – while not a solution to the systemic failings overseen by political and health leaders – activism can be a tremendous source of strength during the more difficult times in our lives and careers. For me, campaigning – raising my voice with others – can help to bring a sense that not everything is out of control, a feeling that we can make a difference. 

For those of you who got involved with the BMA during industrial action, I say to you that agreements and positive ballot votes mark the beginning of a journey, not the end. Stay – continue to fight – there is so much left to do. And to everyone, I say – as I always do – get involved. There are so many opportunities to come and campaign shoulder to shoulder with colleagues from a wide variety of backgrounds for change that can benefit us all – change that can benefit our patients and our society.

You can get involved with local campaigning, national branch of practice committees, our annual conferences, and so many other different avenues. And we have a BMA committee visitor scheme where you can get an insight into the work done on that level. 

So, whether you’re feeling inspired, apathetic, or hopeless, the BMA is a place where you can find support and perhaps a focus – a place where there are opportunities to make a difference.

You can contact me via email at RBChair@bma.org.uk or on X @DrLatifaPatel

Dr Latifa Patel is chair of the BMA representative body