Press release: 24 April 2017
The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund (RMBF) today relaunched its programme of support for UK medical students, releasing two new publications encouraging students to seek help and offering advice on how to cope with the demands of studying medicine. The programme is being supported by UK-wide medical defence organisation MDDUS.
The charity aims to support and protect the future of the medical profession, offering help in the form of grants for students facing critical and unexpected financial hardship while studying. Previously this support was offered in the form of loans, but by switching to grants the RMBF hopes to reach more students in need who may be wary of taking on additional debt.
A new downloadable publication, The Vital Signs for Medical Students, highlights key pressure trigger points for medical students and provides advice on managing stress during the rigours of medical education. A new-look leaflet, for distribution in medical schools, will also set out the support on offer and encourage students to seek help in difficult times.
The relaunched RMBF website also hosts an updated guide to medical student finances, which provides information on sources of funding, advice on applying for bursaries and grants, and top tips for saving money as a student. It also features a dedicated online money adviser and interactive budget planning tools. (www.rmbf.org/medical-students).
Steve Crone, Chief Executive of the RMBF, said:
“Since we started providing help to medical students in 2012, we have seen our support make an enormous difference to the lives of dozens of student beneficiaries, and hundreds more have accessed our online resources. However, we know that there many are more out there who are struggling against unexpected hardship. We want to reach as many students in difficulty as we can, and we have built key relationships with UK medical schools to ensure that all medical students can access our help in times of crisis.”
MDDUS Joint Head of Medical Division Dr John Holden said:
“MDDUS are proud to support the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund’s vital work to ensure that today’s medical students are supported to graduate and become tomorrow’s healthy, resilient doctors. I urge medical educators to spread the word about the RMBF’s support programme, to ensure that their students know what help is at hand when times are hard.”
Find out more and download materials on the campaign page (http://www.rmbf.org/about/our-campaigns/support-for-medical-students-2017)
Notes to editors
- For more information about the RMBF and its medical student support programme, please contact the Fundraising & Communications team on [email protected] or 020 8540 9194 (option 1)
- Students can find out whether they are eligible for financial help from the RMBF, and how to apply for help, on the RMBF website at http://www.rmbf.org/get-help/help-for-medical-students/
- RMBF’s UK-wide volunteer network includes Medical Liaison Officers, who are trained to explain the support that the charity offers. To organise a presentation at your medical school, hospital or practice, or if you are interested in volunteering, contact Kate Bresler-Jones on [email protected] or 020 3255 3003