What medical schools need to do to be ‘faith-inclusive’ – BMA guidance

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By Erin Dean

Medical students have the right to request time off or leave early on placements and rearrange exams to observe religious dates, the British Medical Association has said.

The union has published new guidance setting out the practical measures that students can expect from their medical school and placement providers in relation to practising their faith.

This includes advice on securing access to time and space for prayers, adjustments to uniform and what students should do if they experience discrimination.

Universities are also urged to ensure that social and networking events arranged by medical schools include events that do not involve alcohol, and that non-alcoholic drinks are always available.

Medical schools, placement settings and workplaces should be “faith-inclusive environments,” the union said.

“It is crucial that discrimination on grounds of faith is never tolerated and that active steps are taken to prevent it,” it said.

A survey of Muslim doctors in the UK published in the BMJ Leader last year found that 40% experienced discrimination primarily based on religious identity, with 44% facing regular discrimination since medical school.