Interim results from a BMA survey of more than 800 disabled and neurodivergent doctors and medical students, published today, reveal that ableism is greater in the medical profession than in wider society^[1]. While a lack of support has driven over half of respondents (53%) to either leave the profession in the past two years, or seriously consider doing so.

Speaking on ableism posing a more significant challenge within the medical profession, Dr Alice Gatenby, a doctor based in South Wales, said:

“It’s an NHS issue. If I were a teacher, I wouldn’t need to go through a lengthy process to prove I’m disabled every time I changed classrooms. But as a doctor with an invisible disability [epilepsy], I must prove to a disability panel that I’m still disabled every single year.”

She continues: “I’m a good doctor. My exam scores reflect that. But I can’t get into training because my brain doesn’t work exactly the way the healthcare system expects it to. It feels like the system sees supporting me as too difficult or inconvenient - even if it means losing someone capable and passionate about caring for patients.

“I’m genuinely at a point where I’m considering leaving medicine. I don’t want to but what choice do I have? And yet, I think: if I walk away, who will be left to advocate for other doctors like me?”

Over a third of respondents (34%) reported experiencing bullying or harassment linked to their disability, neurodivergence, or long-term health condition, while 78% said they had felt worried about being treated unfairly or viewed negatively because of it.

“I’ve had senior colleagues say to my face, 'You’re not a real doctor' - simply because I don’t do on-call shifts. Yet when I ask to be included in weekend rotas, I’m told it’s too much hassle unless I can manage 12-hour shifts straight. The irony of a healthcare system being unwilling to make small adjustments for someone with epilepsy isn’t lost on me,” said Dr Gatenby.

Dr Amit Kochhar, chair of the BMA's Representative Body, said:

"Worryingly, the survey found that just 34% of respondents who disclosed their disability to their place of work or study experienced improved support. Disabled doctors and medical students are present at every level of the profession, contributing as valued and vital members of the medical workforce. Providing appropriate support is not only the right thing to do - it’s essential. Yet half of respondents reported having to use their annual leave to attend medical appointments, a clear sign that support isn't where it should be. When that support is lacking, we risk losing talented doctors from the profession altogether. This loss is detrimental to individuals, patients, and the NHS, compounding workforce retention challenges and increasing pressure on those who remain.

“A lack of disability and neurodiversity awareness, coupled with discrimination and stigma, can significantly impact disabled doctors’ lives and careers. We also continue to see disparities, such as the later diagnosis of autism in women, and significant variation in access to services for international colleagues. Those who have already overcome personal hurdles should not face additional barriers, such as rigid exam policies or being unfairly penalised throughout their careers."

The Association is currently working with stakeholders to address the issues highlighted in the survey, particularly those that affect doctors and medical students daily such as the finding that 73% of respondents had not received all the reasonable adjustments they require.

Commenting on reasonable adjustments Dr Gatenby said: “I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. And the cruellest part? The stress and exhaustion from constantly having to fight for reasonable adjustments is exactly what triggers my seizures."

The BMA believes that disability should not be a barrier to being a successful doctor, but these interim results show otherwise with 63% of respondents reporting that a lack of support had represented a direct barrier to their study and career progression.

When recalling professional examination experiences, Dr Gatenby said: “Is there a doctor in the house? Yes, but not one that can help me. I’ve even had to explain in depth to exam invigilators what to do if I have a seizure right before sitting professional exams.”

Also in the survey:

- 43% of respondents said they had had to use their money to pay for reasonable adjustments they needed at their place of work/study

- 50% of respondents said they had had to use annual leave to attend appointments related to being disabled/neurodivergent/having a long-term health condition

- 42% of respondents said they had been subject to performance management processes due to disability/neurodivergence -related sickness absences

- 42% of respondents didn’t think their place of work/study had a culture which was disability and neurodiversity inclusive   

The BMA will publish its full report, including recommendations, this autumn. In the meantime, the Association encourages medical schools and employers to begin having open discussions with disabled and neurodivergent doctors and students around these findings. The BMA believes that early reflection on how these insights apply locally will help drive meaningful, informed change when the full report is published. 

Notes to editors

1. Interim results from the BMA’s 2025 disability and neurodivergence survey. 801 respondents across the UK: England (79%), Scotland (9%), Wales (5%), and Northern Ireland (3%): total number  

• 56% of respondents thought ableism was a greater issue in the medical profession than in wider society.
• 53% of respondents said that, in the past two years, they had left a job or considered leaving the profession due to lack of support
• 34% of respondents said they had experienced bullying or harassment related to their being disabled/neurodivergent/having a long-term health condition
• 78% said they had worried about being treated or viewed unfavourably for disclosing their disability/neurodivergence/long-term health condition
• 40% said that telling their place of work/study had led to improved support   
• 73% of respondents hadn’t gotten all of the reasonable adjustments they need
• 43% of respondents said they had had to use their money to pay for reasonable adjustments they needed at their place of work/study
• 50% of respondents said they had had to use annual leave to attend appointments related to being disabled/neurodivergent/having a long-term health condition
• 42% of respondents said they had been subject to performance management processes due to disability/neurodivergence sickness absences
• 42% of respondents didn’t think their place of work/study had a culture which was disability and neurodiversity inclusive  
• 63% of respondents said they thought that lack of support for being disabled/neurodivergent/having a long-term health condition had been a barrier to their study and career progression 
• Disability and neurodivergence in the medical profession

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.