Disabilities
We welcome applications from students with disabilities. A disability need not be a bar to becoming a doctor if the student can fulfil the rigorous demands of professional fitness to practise. However, it is important that disabilities are declared so that appropriate adjustments to the course can be made in good time. Identification of these needs is the purpose of the Occupational Health Questionnaire described below. Note that dyslexia falls into the disability category and mistakes in prescribing can have serious results if dyslexia is not declared and if protective measures are not in place. Independent assessment of dyslexia is therefore important.
If you have concerns about a disability, you can seek advice from the Admissions Staff. However, only general advice can be given before application and detailed consideration of individual cases is only possible by referral to Occupational Health for a full assessment. This is undertaken separately from the selection process and only once a provisional offer of admission has been made and accepted.
In exceptional circumstances, admission to medical school may be refused and a provisional offer withdrawn on grounds of fitness to practise. The General Medicine Council has made recommendations concerning Student Health and Conduct and Medical Schools should not admit students who would not be able to function independently as pre-registration Foundation doctors or who might pose a danger to the public due to ill health or disability.