Review of health and disability in medical education and training
Our review examines the challenges that disabled doctors face at all stages of education and training and any implications for the regulatory framework.
Many disabled doctors are practising successfully in the medical profession alongside non-disabled colleagues. Indeed, patients often identify closely with disabled medical professionals who can offer a unique personal insight and sensitivity.
However, the journey through the medical education and training system is not always an easy one. In some cases, even with reasonable adjustments, it may not be possible for everyone successfully and safely to undertake all stages of medical education and training.
Equally, medical schools and postgraduate deaneries (and in future local education and training boards) face challenges in determining the level of support which disabled students and trainees may need during their education and training.
As the regulator, we thought it appropriate and timely to review the overall position to see where there might be scope to promote greater clarity and consistency in the type and level of support which may be available.
On this page you can find out about:
What has happened during the review
Working group set up
We set up an expert working group to oversee the review – the Health and disability in medical education and training group terms of reference (pdf) gives more information.
Disability roundtable held
In February 2012 we held a disability roundtable meeting to kick-start the review. The report of the disability roundtable (pdf) summarises the key points of discussion.
Statement on disability in medical education and training published
We published a statement on disability in medical education and training (pdf). It provides a summary of the legal advice we have received about the implications of the Equality Act 2010, in terms of disability, in relation to the standards we set for medical education and training.
Experiences shared: short films about health and disability
As part of this review, we asked a number of disabled doctors and students to share their personal experiences.
These short films show what they had to say.
Reference group held
In October 2012 we held a reference group meeting to discuss some of the key issues and ideas emerging from the working group's deliberations. The report of the reference group (pdf) summarises the key points of discussion.
Working group reports to Council
The working group's report (pdf) was submitted to Council on 5 December 2012. Council agreed the recommendations in the accompanying paper (pdf).
Supporting medical students with mental health concerns
As part of the review on health and disability, we are looking specifically at the issue of how medical schools can best support students with mental health concerns. This is a joint project with the Medical Schools Council which we are leading on.
An operational group is overseeing this work.
Next steps
We are now planning for further work in 2013 taking account of the working group's findings and proposed outcomes.
Do you want to know more?
You can find full details of the review to date in our equality analysis (pdf).
Please contact us on 0161 923 6602 or education@gmc-uk.org if you have any further questions.
You may also like to see our online guide providing a range of advice for doctors with health concerns - Your Health Matters.