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fitness to practise

The General Medical Council requires 'fitness to practise' in all new doctors, and thus in all entrants to medical school (see www.gmc-uk.org). To meet this criterion all doctors are required to possess certain defined clinical skills. Thus, while applications from students with a disability are welcomed and will be considered on an individual basis, applicants will recognise that a student unable as a result of their disability to meet the 'fitness to practise' criteria cannot be admitted.

In addition all offers of places to study medicine are conditional upon a satisfactory health record and health assessment, to ensure that students do not pose a danger to the patients they will meet. A full course of immunisation against hepatitis B is one current requirement. Please click here for more information on health requirements.

BSMS welcomes a diverse range of applications, reflecting the whole of society. Potential applicants with a disability might consider seeking advice from local medical practitioners about what a career in medicine entails and are welcome to discuss the reasonable adjustments which they would require to complete the course with a Disability Adviser prior to application.

Health

All offers of places to study medicine are conditional upon a satisfactory health record and health assessment being carried out, in addition to a requirement that students comply with viral screening as requested by the Department of Health (see also our health page). Applicants should be aware that medical students and doctors who are discovered to have, or who later acquire, an infectious condition that threatens the wellbeing of patients may be required to discontinue their training or practice. If such unfortunate circumstances arise or are discovered after admission, BSMS will advise students of the options open to them.

Legal

Students should also be aware that enhanced-level criminal record checks are necessary for all medical school entrants and that some convictions are incompatible with medical training and practice.

We require all students to sign the Council of Heads of Medical Schools / BMA Medical Students charter, which can be viewed here.