The Student Room Group
Uni students - Complete our survey >>
Uni students - Complete our survey >>
Uni students - Complete our survey >>

Mental Health and Medical School Applications

Mental health and medical school applications
Hi everyone, I really need advice please. I have a diagnosis of depression and have self harmed. I am being treated with medication and am recovering. I wondered if being on medication and having a history of depression and self harm would stop me getting into medical school. This is my dream and I am certain I would cope with the pressure - I got 12A*s and an A in my GCSEs despite being depressed at the time.
Does any one know if this would prevent me getting in and what the process is? Also do you know anyone who has got into medical school after declaring similar illness of the occupational health form. I will still be on medication when I apply and probably for some time while I am at medical school. Also do you you know of any medical schools that are particularly accepting of situations like this? PLEASE HELP
Ps. Is it totally my responsibility to declare this or does my teacher write it in the reference too?


Posted from TSR Mobile

Scroll to see replies

There's a part on the UCAS form that asks about disabilities, where you mention your depression there.

You can't be rejected on the basis of having a mental illness. But there might be the issue of whether you're well enough to do such a demanding course.
Original post by OU Student
There's a part on the UCAS form that asks about disabilities, where you mention your depression there.

You can't be rejected on the basis of having a mental illness. But there might be the issue of whether you're well enough to do such a demanding course.


Thanks :smile: how would they assess whether I was well enough? Would I have to be off medication? Don't worry if you don't know the answer :smile:


Posted from TSR Mobile
I've had similar problems, got a condition that makes it unbearable to walk at certain times. Had problems with my current pharmacy degree, in relation to fitness to practice. Meeting were not fun, but as long as your doctor/GP/consultant feels that a medical related course will not put patients in danger then the university does not really have any reason to reject you on a disability/illness related condition.

That was my experience anyway :smile:


Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by PharmingDoc
I've had similar problems, got a condition that makes it unbearable to walk at certain times. Had problems with my current pharmacy degree, in relation to fitness to practice. Meeting were not fun, but as long as your doctor/GP/consultant feels that a medical related course will not put patients in danger then the university does not really have any reason to reject you on a disability/illness related condition.

That was my experience anyway :smile:


Posted from TSR Mobile


Thank you very much. I hope everything works out for you! :smile:


Posted from TSR Mobile
They have to consider reasonable adjustments before they can consider rejection due to fitness to practise.
the whole application process is very stressful but yes they cant not consider your application because of your mental health its not fair
Original post by OU Student
They have to consider reasonable adjustments before they can consider rejection due to fitness to practise.


Unfortunately in most circumstances especially at the university I attend the two departments do not work alongside each other.

For our pharmacy degree, the reasonable adjustment is conducted via the disabilities department. However the school of pharmacy has their own occupational health department which independently assesses the ability of students in relation to FTP. I explained to the occupational health that the disabilities department have catered to me perfectly and all my needs have been addressed. They would not have any of it unfortunately, they suspended my studies for a few weeks in order for me to go through their procedure.

All in all, note from my consultants, GP and specialists were the factors that allowed me to continue on the course. It's all about "covering the universities back" as I was told by the occupational health doctor. In the event the university gets blamed for allowing me to continue in full knowledge of my conditions, they can simply pin the blame on the doctors who gave me the all clear. Took a lot of effort for something that should have been routine. :frown:


Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by OU Student
They have to consider reasonable adjustments before they can consider rejection due to fitness to practise.


Thanks 👍


Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by PharmingDoc
Unfortunately in most circumstances especially at the university I attend the two departments do not work alongside each other.

For our pharmacy degree, the reasonable adjustment is conducted via the disabilities department. However the school of pharmacy has their own occupational health department which independently assesses the ability of students in relation to FTP. I explained to the occupational health that the disabilities department have catered to me perfectly and all my needs have been addressed. They would not have any of it unfortunately, they suspended my studies for a few weeks in order for me to go through their procedure.

All in all, note from my consultants, GP and specialists were the factors that allowed me to continue on the course. It's all about "covering the universities back" as I was told by the occupational health doctor. In the event the university gets blamed for allowing me to continue in full knowledge of my conditions, they can simply pin the blame on the doctors who gave me the all clear. Took a lot of effort for something that should have been routine. :frown:


Posted from TSR Mobile


Oh dear :frown: thanks for your reply


Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by Yasmin-9970
the whole application process is very stressful but yes they cant not consider your application because of your mental health its not fair


Thanks :smile:


Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by Yasmin-9970
the whole application process is very stressful but yes they cant not consider your application because of your mental health its not fair


It is also illegal. If they can justify it, it's not illegal.

You are also entitled to apply for disabled students allowance. (DSA)
Original post by OU Student
It is also illegal. If they can justify it, it's not illegal.

You are also entitled to apply for disabled students allowance. (DSA)


Really? Thanks


Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by anoymous1111
Really? Thanks


Posted from TSR Mobile


On both parts, yes.

DSA will pay for things like a non medical helper, (note taker, mentor, etc) and any equipment you need as a result of being a disabled student. They won't pay for everyday disability costs or costs that every student has.
Original post by anoymous1111
Oh dear :frown: thanks for your reply


Posted from TSR Mobile


Honestly, do not stress too much about it. Our university has had a ton of complaints from the student union regarding this same matter, I think most other universities would take a much more empathetic approach rather than throwing accusations against their students! :smile:


Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by PharmingDoc
Honestly, do not stress too much about it. Our university has had a ton of complaints from the student union regarding this same matter, I think most other universities would take a much more empathetic approach rather than throwing accusations against their students! :smile:


Posted from TSR Mobile


Thank you :smile:


Posted from TSR Mobile
They can't discriminate you in any way what so ever. If you have the grades, you have just a much of a chance as anybody else applying. Check out the Equality Act 2010 for further information. I myself have mental illness and received 3 unconditionals after dropping out of college due to my problems then applying the next year to to uni doing the course I wanted to do. Honestly, don't worry!

Have a nice day :smile:


Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by thisIZwar
They can't discriminate you in any way what so ever. If you have the grades, you have just a much of a chance as anybody else applying. Check out the Equality Act 2010 for further information. I myself have mental illness and received 3 unconditionals after dropping out of college due to my problems then applying the next year to to uni doing the course I wanted to do. Honestly, don't worry!

Have a nice day :smile:


Posted from TSR Mobile


Thank you so much! I hope everything is going ok for you x


Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by anoymous1111
Thank you so much! I hope everything is going ok for you x


Posted from TSR Mobile


Uni is really good! I was frightened due to having to drop off a previous course but with the right support I'm loving it. If/when you receive an offer be sure to contact the disability department of the uni you want to go to. They'll make adjustments and support you through the course :smile: xx


Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by thisIZwar
They can't discriminate you in any way what so ever. If you have the grades, you have just a much of a chance as anybody else applying. Check out the Equality Act 2010 for further information. I myself have mental illness and received 3 unconditionals after dropping out of college due to my problems then applying the next year to to uni doing the course I wanted to do. Honestly, don't worry!

Have a nice day :smile:


Posted from TSR Mobile

This isn't entirely true, especially for the medical field. The university has a duty to determine if you're fit to practice and if you're not, even due to a disability well then they can kick u out :/



Posted from TSR Mobile

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you