Health, Disability, Adjustments and Finance

I have a disability, who should I speak to?

Having a recognised disability (the definition of which includes a number of chronic health conditions) should not be considered a barrier to a successful career in medicine and health professions. A formal assessment of need is usually required in order to identify any ‘reasonable adjustments’ you may require. Financial support may be available. Discuss this with the University’s Disability Services Support Team. The School’s Disability Contacts may also be able to advise you further – contact via: somstudentsupport@leeds.ac.uk.

 

The University’s Disability Services team can provide advice to all students.

Useful links and resources for Disabilities and Learning Differences:

  • Able Medics podcast – General Medical Council podcast with disabled doctors reflecting on what they bring to medicine, how they are viewed by patients/colleagues and what support helps them. 
  • Disabled Doctors Network –  A website created by disabled doctors designed to “Support the welfare, rights and inclusion of chronically ill and disabled doctors and medical students”. Includes guidance on education and training, employment and provides a network for disabled colleagues. 
  • Medical Schools Council Applicants with a Disability – A website run by the Medical Schools Council with information on gateways to the profession, fitness to practice, supporting students with mental health conditions and Disability Support Allowance (DSA).
  • I Decide – A Careers Resource designed by the University of Leeds to explore the range of specialities available after graduation. Contains interviews with practicing clinicians about what it is like to work in their speciality. Also includes information on intercalation, electives and what to do if medicine is not the right choice for you. 
  • Welcomed & Valued – GMC Guidance released in 2019 for institutions to support disabled medical students and doctors in training.  
  • Nursing & Dyslexia page – A webpage by “Strategies for Creating Inclusive Practice for Programmes of Study” with descriptions of inclusive practice that can be helpful for learning disabilities. There are links to other disabilities from this page and many strategies can be applied to any teaching besides nursing. 



Where can I get support for mental health and wellbeing?
During the course of your career it is not unusual for students or professionals to have concerns about their mental health or to suffer from a mental health condition specifically given the demanding nature of the training and career. 
If you do have a mental health concern, you can review resources available at https://students.leeds.ac.uk/#Support-and-wellbeing, and access help from:-

 
Please note some mental health conditions are considered a disability under equality legislation and can make you eligible for additional support.

If you feel you need to talk to someone in an emergency about how you are feeling you can contact:-
The Samaritans on 116 123 
or
Leeds University Union nightline on 0113 380 1381.
 
Useful links for Mental Health and Wellbeing:


I have a health issue that I consider may impact on my ability to study or practise clinically - who should I speak to?
Occasionally you may have a health issue that can impact on your ability to study or practise in a clinical role safely or it may be that you require advice relating to a health condition that may require you to consider your future career options in more detail. If this is the case, for MBChB your first point of contact should be your Academic SubDean (Associate Director of Progress), and for other courses, your Programme Lead. They can refer you to the local NHS Occupational Health Service for an assessment or/and guidance if you require it.

 
I am having financial difficulties, where can I get guidance and support?
The School of Medicine has little in the way of funds that it can make available to you, apart from occasional bursaries which Jack Armstrong (J.D.Armstrong@leeds.ac.uk) can advise on The key source of support is the Student Advice centre at the Leeds University Union https://leedsuniversityunion.knowledgeowl.com/help/money.  
Information regarding external sources of financial support can be found at:-
Financial Health and Support for medical students https://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/1000039/school_of_medicine/1236/school_of_medicine_student_support
Information on NHS student bursaries: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/816.aspx
Money4medstudents website: http://www.money4medstudents.org