Our project involves researchers from the University of Aberdeen, Edinburgh Napier University, Queen’s University Belfast and the University of St Andrews. We work with two Advisory Boards and an Oversight Committee to ensure the research is shaped by relevant lived and professional expertise.
I’m pleased to be involved in this research because the British Medical Association represents many disabled medical students and doctors, and we know they are too often undervalued and unsupported. This project offers an opportunity to better understand their experiences and views and will provide important evidence to support lobbying for much-needed changes.
Kate Firth, Senior Policy Advisor, British Medical Association
The Doctors with Disabilities: Understanding Career Progression [study] is important and much needed research. Through my work, volunteering and lived experience I am aware of the barriers that people with disabilities can be subjected to and the vital role research has in driving meaningful change. This research has significant potential to advance knowledge, deepen understanding and contribute to positive developments. I am therefore delighted to support and assist such valuable and impactful research.
Mike Melvin, Public Member
During my time working as an FY1 doctor with a physical disability, I often asked myself if, and how, I could contribute to change to improving disabled doctors' experiences, particularly at a system level. The DWD research project immediately caught my attention for its aim to better understand why barriers persist for disabled doctors. Challenges unique to working with a disability can often be unseen and a deeper insight into the day-to-day experiences of disabled doctors' is crucial for identifying practical steps necessary to drive meaningful change in this area.
Laura Smith, Doctor