Inclusive medical education for students with disabilities: a new guidance document from Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand

This paper outlines: 1) the work undertaken by Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand (MDANZ) to review and update its 2017 guidelines related to selecting and supporting students with disabilities, and 2) the resulting new recommendations. The review group considered common approaches to supporting medical students with a disability through an inclusive, strengths-based lens. The outcome was a guidance document that centres the importance of a strengths-based and inclusive culture within medical schools, and emphasises an individualised, context-specific and inclusive approach based on early, open dialogue. Strong project governance and broad consultation were critical to achieving this outcome. As social norms and technologies evolve, regular re-examination of guidance on how to support potential or current medical students with a disability will be necessary.