No registration restrictions for disabled trainees
5 February 2013
The GMC has decided not to push for alternative forms of registration for students and trainees with physical disabilities or mental health problems.
Proposals put forward as part of its review of health and disability in education and training could have led to restricted registration according to particular disabilities. They might also have provided exemptions for some aspects of education and training.
But the GMC council followed the recommendations of a working party set up to examine the issue, which advised against seeking changes to the Medical Act 1983 to facilitate this. The working party, which the BMA took part in, said restricted registration could be confusing to patients or the NHS, and would change what it meant to be a doctor.
BMA medical students committee joint deputy chair Matthew Hale welcomed the announcement that the review’s other findings would be taken forward.
He said: ‘Of particular benefit to students will be the development of guidance to medical schools on how best to support students with physical and mental health conditions.
‘This is in addition to ensuring that all students and doctors will have access to effective occupational health services that are trained in aiding medical students.'
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