Dr Satheesh Mathew, Vice Chairman of BAPIO, who leads the quality panel for Medical Defence Shield has expressed his serious concerns that many doctors often leave themselves unprotected, having no cover with any defence organisation when trouble hits them. “My advice to all the doctors is to ensure that you are a member of a defence organisation to avoid being left without any support or advice when you need most”. He added that we advise our members to consider paying the membership fee by Direct Debit that offers continuity of membership if a member forgets to renew. It is often heart breaking to see someone who needs sound legal advice, and yet they do not have membership with any defence body. MDS offers a combined package to cover employment related issues and defence in professional disciplinary matters at a most competitive fee. Visit www.mdsuk.org for a quote.