Career advice for doctors with a chronic illness

doi:10.1136/bmj.322.7295.1136

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The Career Focus matching scheme may help fill the gap

Rhona MacDonald, Editor, Career Focus

Career Focus bmj.com/content/vol322/issue7295/#CAREER

I have scleroderma. Eighteen months ago I was advised by an occupational health physician to retire from the NHS on grounds of ill health. I was 30. Determined not to let my medical skills go to waste, I was left on my own to find a niche for myself which matched my health needs and allowed me to carry on working. My situation is not unique, and in this week's Career Focus (BMJ Classified p 2) some doctors who have chronic illnesses summarise their experiences and give advice to other doctors who may find themselves in a similar position. This week also sees the launch of Career Focus's mentoring scheme for doctors with chronic illness.

Doctors who have a chronic illness have a rough deal. As well as having to come to terms with their illness, they also face problems in their career. Inflexible working patterns, poor contingency cover, …