John L. Anderson1 & Sebastian C. K. Shaw 2
1Department of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Brighton, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
2Department of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Brighton, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
Abstract: Little research exists concerning dyslexia in medical education. A qualitative study highlighted issues such as bullying and a lack of support. This project aimed to quantify those findings. An online survey was sent to junior doctors in parts of the United Kingdom. Seventy-five participated. Most (53%) were diagnosed with dyslexia at university / medical school. Most reported that dyslexia impacted upon their self-image (59%) and self-esteem (73%). Nearly half (46%) felt it influenced their career pathway choices within medicine. Participants reported bullying at medical school – from peers (24%), from academic teachers (14%), and from clinical teachers (27%); and also at work – from peers (25%), from academic teachers (13%), and from clinical teachers (23%). 88% reported that foundation schools provided no support, 92% that NHS Trusts provided none, and 90% that their deaneries provided none. The sorts of supports which seemed to be lacking were “psychological” or “pastoral” supports.
Keywords: Medical Students, Doctors, Dyslexia, Specific Learning Difficulties, Mixed Methods
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International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies
ISSN 2520-0968 (Online), ISSN 2409-1294 (Print), March 2020, Vol.7, No.1