I Can Do That column: ‘New study shows medical students who declare a disability are just as likely to complete the course successfully as those who don’t’ – In Your Area
By Tom Dowling
Dream of becoming a doctor but worried a disability might count against you?
Well, a new study shows medical students who declare a disability are just as likely to complete the course successfully as those who don’t.
Researchers found the most commonly declared disability was defined as “a specific learning difficulty, or SLD, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD”.
All medical students who started at a UK medical school bet…….
By Tom Dowling
Dream of becoming a doctor but worried a disability might count against you?
Well, a new study shows medical students who declare a disability are just as likely to complete the course successfully as those who don’t.
Researchers found the most commonly declared disability was defined as “a specific learning difficulty, or SLD, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD”.
All medical students who started at a UK medical school between 2002 and 2018 – almost 136,000 individuals – were looked at.
And despite small differences in academic performance outcomes, the study showed medical students who declare SLD at any point are just as likely to complete the course successfully as those who do not.
Dr Michael Murphy, from Dundee School of Medicine, which conducted the study, said, “There may be a misconception among medical students that declaring a disability will somehow reduce your chances of graduating as a doctor.
“Our study findings should reassure people that this is not the case.
“The increasing numbers who declare disability early in the course suggests that medical students are less afraid to do so and understand the value of receiving support and adjustment.”
He added: “Some groups are less likely to declare disability than others, and medical schools should work together to see how these students can be made to feel more comfortable about declaring.
“Efforts should be made to ensure clear information about the support provided for those who declare disability – before, during and after medical school.”
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Peter Leather has run through the pain barrier in memory of his mum and to aid the seven million tinnitus sufferers in the UK.
The 39-year-old from Eastham, Wirral, smashed his personal best when he completed the recent Brighton marathon for the British Tinnitus Association.
Peter said: “My late mum, Beryl, suffered with tinnitus most of her life, and struggled with this condition as it had an impact on her life every day.”
Tinnitus is a debilitating condition where people hear noises in the head and/or ears which have no external source.
Peter Leather
There is currently no cure for a condition affecting 35,000 adults in the Wirral alone.
He said: “It’s a pleasure to be raising awareness that the BTA is there to help people like my mum who had this condition, and to raise as much as possible and to offer people support who are living with tinnitus right now.”
The BTA are looking for people to take part in a number of fundraising events. Email [email protected] take part in your own challenge.</…….
