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Leeds medical student commits suicide
2008 Aug 7
Amir Mahmood, a Leeds University Medical School student, leapt from a ten-storey building after being told he had
failed the fifth year of his course for the second time, and would be expelled. His body was found on 9 J une 2007,
outside Leeds General Infirmary Medical School.
At the inquest, coroner David Hinchliff read a statement by Mr Mahmood's father, Dr Khalid Mahmood, in which he
alleged that his son had been "deliberately demoralised and bullied" by his tutor, Dr Richard Fuller.
A former medical student came forward during the inquest, claiming that he felt like "taking his own life" when Dr
Fuller threatened to expel him over plagiarism concerns, which were later resolved.
Dr Fuller and the University denied the claims, and the coroner found "no evidence to suggest" Amir Mahmood killed
himself after racist or bullying behaviour by his tutor. Instead, he suggested Mr Mahmood "may have caused his family
to believe he was the victim of bullying, harassment and racist remarks in some way to elicit their sympathy". He
accepted evidence that Mr Mahmood was not intellectually lacking but had a long history of unexplained attendance
problems.
Amir Mahmood's mother condemned the University, saying, I sent my beautiful, kind, loving son to Leeds University
medical school as a 19 year old teenager. They had a basic duty to look after his academic and personal welfare while he
studied to become a doctor. Six years later they sent him home in a body bag.
The family will challenge the coroner's decision.
In 2005/06 a BMA survey showed that over one-third of students were bullied or harassed. Doctors Support Network
founder, Dr Elizabeth Miller, said, Bullying is probably worse because these are vulnerable individuals. One black
mark, and the GMC can come down on them.
Related links
Andrea Adams Trust
Doctors Support
Doctors Support Network
Doctors for Doctors Advisory Service and BMA Counselling Service (08459 200 169)
Bereavement Through Suicide, Royal College of Psychiatrists factsheet
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Family Campaigning Website