Discrimination and systemic obstacles are part of a daily battle working as a doctor with a disability in the UK. As a group, disabled doctors face unique challenges that able-bodied colleagues might never consider.

The list is never-ending, but some examples include:
• Physical barriers – inaccessible equipment and inadequate equipment
• Systemic barriers – delayed adjustments and patient safety concerns
• Cultural barriers – stigma, isolation and exclusion
• Professional barriers – stress, attitudes of colleagues, breakdown of relationships, impact of speaking out on training
• Personal barriers – the weight of self-advocacy, impact on work-life balance and mental health
• Knowledge barriers – an appreciation of invisible disabilities

Daily discrimination and systemic challenges

The UK healthcare system, unfortunately, is not built to accommodate staff with disabilities adequately. Every day, doctors with disability encounter barriers that make their working lives more difficult than they need to be. The system isn’t designed to support those who don’t fit the mould of an able-bodied world. The result? Disabled doctors are left feeling isolated and unsupported.

Significant issues are a lack of understanding, and flexibility. Initiatives like the General Medical Council guidance, Welcome and Valued, aimed at fostering inclusivity, are not widely known, let alone implemented effectively by employers.

When reasonable adjustments are requested, it often takes an unreasonable amount of time for them to be put into place. This delay not only hampers productivity but also affects the mental and psychological wellbeing of disabled staff, as well as the potential impact on the physical health of disabled staff who may not be able-bodied.

Moreover, patient safety is frequently cited as an excuse for not providing necessary support. This rationale is deeply flawed. Patient safety should include making sure that all healthcare staff, including those with disabilities, can perform their duties effectively and safely. The refusal to offer support under this guise is a thinly veiled form of discrimination.

Improving experiences for disabled doctors

So, what can be done to make the experiences of disabled doctors in the UK healthcare system better? The first step is to recognise that we all have a responsibility.

These are the key actions for fostering a more inclusive environment, that recognises and accommodates the needs of all staff members:

• Infrastructure: simple modifications, such as ensuring accessible changing cubicles and adjustable-height cupboards, can make a significant difference. These changes should be standard practice, not special accommodations.

• Efficient implementation of adjustments: reasonable adjustments should be implemented promptly. The current system’s delays are unacceptable and contribute to the ongoing marginalization of disabled staff.

• Educating and training: there is an urgent need for comprehensive training programs to educate all staff about disabilities. This training should cover the importance of inclusivity, the challenges faced by disabled colleagues, and the practical steps that can be taken to support them.

• Policies and protocols: existing policies and protocols need to be revisited and revised. In their current state many disadvantage disabled staff. This review should include input from disabled healthcare workers to ensure their perspectives and needs are adequately represented.

• Open dialogue: encouraging open conversations about disability and inclusivity is crucial. A cultural shift is needed to address the current state of medical environments. Too many times disabled doctors have had to discuss discrimination with those responsible for training or employment – instead of this being met with compassion and understanding, this is often met with fear, defence and tribalism manifesting as closing ranks.

• Innovative thinking: Solutions require thinking outside the box, reimagining job roles to better suit the abilities of disabled staff or leveraging technology to bridge accessibility gaps.

Towards a more inclusive future

Creating a more inclusive environment in the healthcare system isn’t just about making physical adjustments, it’s about changing mindsets and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. The able-bodied world can be more inclusive by recognising the unique challenges faced by disabled colleagues and taking proactive steps to address them.

The UK healthcare system has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity for disabled doctors. Managed inclusivity means that with concerted effort, open dialogue, and innovative thinking, we can create a system that not only accommodates, but values the contributions of all its members. By removing barriers we offer every healthcare professional, regardless of their visible or invisible abilities, the opportunity to thrive which will ultimately provide the best possible patient care.

The GMC’s report – The State of medical education and practice in the UK – workplace experiences 2024 – is available to read on the GMC website.