I am being undermined by a colleague—what should I do?

Doctors sometimes feel criticised or attacked by their colleagues. Tom Moberly hears advice on what to do when this happens Sara Sreih, medicolegal consultant at the Medical Protection Society, says, “According to the 2024 NHS staff survey, more than 15% of staff experienced at least one incident of harassment, bullying, or abuse from colleagues in the previous 12 months. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for us at MPS to see cases that have deep rooted disputes between colleagues at the centre. “Such behaviours not only affect those on the receiving end but can have a profound impact on patient care. If inappropriate communication or interactions are allowed to play out in the context of handovers or referrals, for example, patients can be put at risk. “If you’re being undermined by a colleague, pause and take a deep metaphorical breath. Bearing in mind your professional obligations to work collaboratively and to treat colleagues with kindness and respect, you should be wary about being drawn in to responding in an unprofessional manner. “If another clinician questions a clinical decision …