In the quest to become a doctor, students must navigate emotionally charged hospital placements, prepare portfolios for an ever-increasingly competitive profession, and struggle with financial burdens.
Despite these well-known obstacles at medical school, over 55% of medical students report an absence of adequate welfare support, often only hearing the routinely recited mantra to ‘reach out and seek help from university, friends, family and support networks’. However, for LGBTQ+ medical students in particular, circumstances are not always conducive to ‘reaching out’ as they face isolation, discomfort, and systemic barriers that discourage openness about their identities.
Despite some societal progress, medical schools and hospital environments often lag in fostering inclusivity and support, leaving many LGBTQ+ students feeling isolated and unsupported. The BMA’s joint survey with GLADD on attitudes to gender identity and sexual orientation in medicine found that only 46% of LGBQ+ doctors, and 34% of trans or gender diverse doctors, felt comfortable being open at work.
This is a stark contrast to attitudes in other professions – while marginalisation of LGBTQ+ workers persists, there is a higher level of comfort in expressing their sexuality and gender identity. The hierarchical structure of the NHS exacerbates this; it’s an environment where many LGBTQ+ students feel unsupported, risking their wellbeing and success within the profession.
Given the drop in medical school applications this year, medical schools must do more to widen participation and prove that all individuals will be equally supported in their journey to become doctors. Every medical student has a right to education in a safe, comfortable and supported environment.
Welfare policies do exist at universities to encourage this, but are often perceived by students as tick-box exercises. Despite their intentions, existing provisions may not provide LGBTQ+ students with the support they need.
LGBTQ+ students can face unique challenges to welfare – despite progress in acceptance in the UK, queer people are still at risk of isolation from unaccepting families. This feeling of isolation intensifies when medical schools are situated in areas with a smaller LGBTQ+ population, and can lead to loneliness and despair.
Trans and non-gender conforming individuals face additional challenges with access to medication and clinical care. LGBTQ+ students are also subject to microaggression and harassment on placements from patients and staff, adding further detriment to their mental health and self-esteem by fostering a sense of exclusion from their team.
Most universities in the UK have LGBTQ+ societies for social opportunities, wellbeing support sites and some dedicated services. A significant number of medical schools also have societies for LGBTQ+ medical students, which promote both support and activism for LGBTQ+ healthcare issues. Medical schools like Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Exeter have Trans+ support groups and other tailored resources to improve inclusion. Most universities have some links to local resources; however, these pages are not always easily accessible or up to date.
To foster inclusivity, medical schools must:
- invest in LGBTQ+ student groups and communities
- create dedicated, easy to find, up-to-date resource pages with internal and external support
- establish intercommunity mentorship and staff-student networks to strengthen belonging.
Collaboration with groups like GLADD (the Association of LGBTQ+ Doctors and Dentists) is vital in addressing these gaps. Supporting LGBTQ+ students is not just about inclusivity – it’s about ensuring every aspiring doctor thrives.
If you are a medical student that identifies as LGBTQ+ and are looking for support, take a look at our support page and consider reaching out to the support available around your university.
Akshata Valsangkar, a medical student at the University of Bristol, and Ria Bansal, a medical student at the University of Nottingham, are the BMA medical students committee deputy co-chairs for welfare