Gateways guidance: 14.2 Students who develop an impairment or health condition

1. ‘As they get older there is more chance of trainee doctors developing disabilities. Deaneries need to be aware of this. They are often not good at accommodating change, and are often quite dismissive of those who develop a disability. We all have varying abilities which change over time. Trainees need advice based on their abilities, not disabilities. A change of attitude is needed.’
2. Medical teacher
3. ‘Accessing any information after an accident part way through training was a nightmare.’
4. Trainee

Students should have an ongoing confidential opportunity to disclose an impairment or health condition. This is so that if circumstances change during their time as a student, they can have reasonable adjustments made.

Medical schools should ensure that all students know whom to contact for advice if they do develop an impairment or health condition during their course. A process should be in place for determining the reasonable adjustments that such a student might need. They should be assured that having an impairment or health condition need not threaten their career or progress.