Dealing with trainees in difficulty.

Doctors are highly valued in every society as they are expected to serve humanity with dedication, commitment and motivation within professional boundaries. Those working within acute specialities are increasingly coming under public microscope. As the public expectations of a quality assured high quality services delivered by the doctors is increasing, so does the pressure on doctors to deliver these services. Our doctors in training are on the front line to deal with the initial assessment of acutely sick women and therefore may be exposed to stressful situations with little support. All doctors in training require support from their trainers and clinical supervisors but more support is needed for trainees who are struggling to cope with the pressure and are in difficulty. This paper examines underlying factors which need to be clearly understood before planning a remedial strategy for this group of doctors. They should be handled sensitively but pro actively.