We welcome an application from you if you have a disability or a serious medical condition. We believe that you can make a valuable contribution to the practice of medicine, and we're committed to supporting and advising you in the application process.
What to think about
All our graduates are required to meet the outcomes of the medical course, as specified in the GMC document Tomorrow's Doctors (2009). So, as with all potential applicants, it's important before you apply to gain insight into the demands of a medical career and a realistic understanding of the roles of a doctor. You should also think carefully about ways in which your particular situation might impact on patient care.
In particular, you should think carefully about:
- whether being a medical student might adversely affect your own health
- whether your condition could impair your judgement or otherwise cause harm to patients, for instance by transmitting an infection
We strongly advise you to seek guidance about these issues before applying, from a consultant in occupational health or another suitably qualified doctor (other than your normal medical adviser). This advice should cover:
- possible effects on your health of a very demanding and intensive medical course
- whether, and in what ways, your clinical contact with patients should be modified
- whether you will need any reasonable adjustments so you can complete the MB BS programme satisfactorily
You are then welcome to discuss the advice you've been given with the HYMS Associate Dean for Admissions, or the disability advisers of the University of Hull or the University of York, before you apply. We may request an occupational health assessment before we make an offer, if any of these questions need addressing more fully.
Disabilities and the application process
If you have a disability, you should note this in the appropriate place on your UCAS form. This information won't adversely affect the assessment of your form, and your disability will not normally be discussed during the selection interview -- but please make contact with us before your interview day if you will need assistance.
Rarely, we may decide that a disability or condition makes an applicant unsuitable to study medicine, on the grounds of patient safety or inability to meet the GMC requirements. This decision will only be taken after full discussion and consideration by the HYMS Fitness to Practise committee.
Dyslexia
If you have special needs due to dyslexia and you are offered a place at HYMS, you should send a current educational psychologist's report (or the equivalent) with your occupational health questionnaire before the start of the course. This report should be dated within the last three years, if it was written before your 16th birthday, or within the last five years, if it was written when you were 16 or older.
Extra time may be approved in written exams, but it's unlikely to be allowed in clinical examinations.