Gateways guidance: 12.2 Support systems

It is important that all medical schools provide counselling and support for disabled students. Local ‘buddy’ systems involving disabled and non-disabled students could be established. Personal tutors who are committed to, and well-trained in, disability equality issues are invaluable. Many universities have academic disability coordinators in each department or school who act as a source of expertise and can provide the link to the support services.

The GMC/Medical Schools Council guidance Medical students: professional values and fitness to practise (revised edition, 2009) sets out the importance of pastoral care and support (paragraphs 41 to 45). Students should be directed to support services such as student health services, disability advisers, occupational health services, confidential counselling, student groups and personal tutors. The occupational health service should assess and advise on the impact of an impairment and if appropriate advice on adjustments in liaison with disability advisers (paragraph 52).

One student made the following suggestions:

1. ‘A matching system could be put in place for the allocation of a mentor to each student. This way, students with disabilities could have that one important contact within the school of medicine whom they can trust and use as a first port of advice. Clear information should be given to such students about whom to contact for advice on provisions available to them, such as extra time in exams and disability allowance. A ‘buddy scheme’ should also be arranged between students in different years of study with similar disabilities; this provides mutual motivation and another person to turn to for advice.

1. ‘I feel that clinicians should be given guidance on how to manage a ‘doctor-student’ patient relationship. Many students’ consultants are also their lecturers which may make them feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, training and guidance should also be given to all staff within the school of medicine about how to manage students with disabilities and how to provide ongoing support. It is vital to remember that even though a student may appear to be coping well, it does not mean that they are; they may still need some support, both academically and emotionally.

1. ‘Most importantly, I believe continuing motivation through placements in hospitals should be given to all students, especially during the non-clinical years of the medical course. One good day on the wards can remind every student why it was their dream to become a doctor!’
2. Medical student