Health and disability in veterinary medicine study and practice

Many of the key messages in relation to veterinary medicine are similar to those in other regulated health professions. Our priority is to support students and practitioners in the study and practice of veterinary medicine, while simultaneously ensuring safe practice for animal health and welfare and upholding educational standards.

The importance of adhering to safe practice for all should be applied to the entirety of this guidance, and schools should risk assess the potential safety impact of all reasonable adjustments to ensure this is met.

Key principles [1]

• People with disabilities should be welcomed and respected for the value they add to the profession and animal health and welfare. A diverse population is better served by a diverse workforce which shares similar experiences and understands its needs.
• Vets, like any other professional group, can experience a health condition or disability. This may occur at any point in their studies or professional career, or long before they become interested in veterinary medicine. A health condition or disability may be acute or time-limited, chronic or long-term.
• No health condition or disability by virtue of its diagnosis automatically prohibits an individual from studying or practising veterinary medicine.
• Having a health condition or disability alone is not a fitness to practise concern. We look at the impact a health condition is having on the person’s ability to safely practise as a veterinary surgeon within the interests of animal health and welfare, which will be unique for each case.
• Veterinary students and vets have acquired a degree of specialised knowledge and skills which should be utilised and retained within the profession to benefit the public and animal welfare.
• Legally, disability is defined as an 'impairment that has a substantial, long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities'. This covers a range of conditions, including physical, mental, and those related to neurodivergence, if they meet the criteria of the definition [2].
• Veterinary students must demonstrate that they are RCVS 'Day One Competent' by the end of their course in order to graduate and become a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS). Under current legislation, they must demonstrate they have the required knowledge and skills across different species and areas of professional practice. This includes common UK species, namely, small animal, farm and production animal, and equine. Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) (VSA), there are no 'limited licensure' provisions and there are no species-related exemptions for any students, including students with disabilities.

[1] Adapted from the General Medical Council (GMC) Welcomed and Valued guidance, pg 3.
[2] Further information can be found in the Annex.

Please note: this general guidance does not purport to be legal advice and is not to be relied upon as legal advice. Students and education providers should take their own advice in the particular circumstances and as required.

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