The Society's work with medical students
In modern medical practice great emphasis is rightly placed on the ability of our doctors to be able to communicate complex messages in often emotionally charged circumstances. The General Medical Council emphasises how central this is to medical education in its guidance on "The Reflective Practitioner", a thirteen page document published on its website (see here). That said, reflective practice as delivered can be a very mixed bag, often merely covering the basics, ie. 'empathy skills' and 'effective communication'. Exposure to Balint group work in the early years of medical education is, in our opinion, highly desirable, if not essential.
As with most membership organisations, the Balint Society recognises that it will only thrive when it is able to pass on the wisdom and experience of its elders to those whose education is only just starting. In recent years we have made significant progress in supporting and developing Balint group work in medical schools across the country. Examples of some of this work are described in the links opposite.
As this work matures, we are turning our efforts to sustaining our links with medical students as they graduate and start Foundation Year programmes.
Questions or suggestions about this work can be directed to the Secretary whose contact details can be found in the Contact us menu at the top of the page.