What does the charity do?
The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund (RMBF) is the UK’s largest charity supporting doctors, medical students and their families in times of crisis.
What kind of support do you provide?
Every year the RMBF supports hundreds of doctors, medical students and their families who are struggling with financial concerns as a result of ill health, disability, accident or bereavement. The help we provide includes grants and loans as well as a telephone befriending scheme for those who may be isolated and in need of support.
The RMBF also has a free downloadable online guide, The Vital Signs, authored by Dr Richard Stevens, a coach with the Thames Valley Professional Support Unit. The guide highlights key pressure trigger points for doctors and signposts organisations and support networks for those in need of help and advice.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew?
Our ambition is for everyone in the medical profession to know what support is at hand. Whilst our network of volunteers and supporters are working tirelessly to spread the word, we know that there are many more doctors, medical students and their families who could benefit from our help. By telling colleagues, friends and loved ones who work in medicine that we are here in times of need, you can make a big difference.
Can people volunteer?
We rely on an incredible network of 250+ volunteers across the UK and we are always keen to hear from medics and non-medics who are keen to get involved. Our volunteers provide vital support to our beneficiaries and help raise awareness amongst UK medical professionals and students. If you would be keen to find out more, you can read about the different types of volunteers that support our work here. Please do get in touch as we’re always keen to welcome new volunteers.
How can people support the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund?
The RMBF relies heavily on the generosity of our supporters. Our President, Professor Dame Parveen Kumar DBE, recently launched her personal appeal to help highlight the difference that donations make to our beneficiaries. You can read Parveen’s appeal letter here and if you are able to make a gift, we would greatly appreciate your support.
Who has been the most influential doctor in recent history?
We’re finding it a little difficult to choose! We recently put forward a 10-strong list of British doctors who have made vital contributions to the support and reform of the profession since the charity was founded 180 years ago. You can read their inspiring stories and cast your vote for The Doctor’s Doctor here.
To see who doctors are recommending today, visit www.myHealthSpecialist.com
To find out more about our charity partner, the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, please visit http://www.rmbf.org/
