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The Medical Schools Council (MSC) and Dental Schools Council (DSC) have published guidance on how medical and dental schools can support students of different faiths while they complete their education.

It is important that students of all faiths and beliefs feel welcome and included in medical and dental education. Inclusive and diverse learning environments result in a better education for medical and dental students and future clinicians. In the long run, this can lead to patients receiving improved and more compassionate care. The new guidance, part of the Medical Schools Council’s “Active Inclusion, Challenging Exclusions” series, aims to provide readers with advice and suggestions for how to ensure that students of all faiths and beliefs are actively included and able to participate and thrive at medical and dental school. The guidance covers a range of areas where medical and dental schools are able to support students, from campus facilities and induction to academic timetabling and assessments. It also provides advice on how schools can work in partnership with clinical placement providers for accommodations for students from a faith background.

On the new guidance, Professor Patrick Maxwell, Chair of the Medical Schools Council, said:

“Medical schools are proud of the growing diversity of the student body, and it is important that we ensure that our educational spaces enable all our students to succeed, regardless of background. Students of faith bring their own unique experiences to medicine and this guidance will support medical and dental schools to understand how their beliefs and practices can be accommodated.”

Professor Chris Tredwin, Chair of the Dental Schools Council, said:

“This national guidance highlights dental schools’ commitment to Equality and Diversity and Inclusion. In order to empower students we must ensure that we foster inclusive learning environments and in the case of students of faith, actively make clear that dental schools are committed to respecting religious beliefs. The recommendations in the guidance will not only support medical and dental schools to meet their responsibilities to inclusivity but it will hopefully encourage students to engage with their institution and increase understanding of how faith impacts their education.”

Read the full guidance.

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Notes to editors:

1. The Medical Schools Council is the representative body for UK medical schools. The council is composed of the heads of UK medical schools and meets in order to shape the future of medical education in the UK. For more information on the Medical Schools Council, visit medschools.ac.uk.
2. The Dental Schools Council is the representative body for dental schools across the UK and Ireland, engaging in representative and policy work on matters relating to dental education, clinical training and research. For information about the work of the Dental Schools Council, please see dentalschoolscouncil.ac.uk.
3. For more information on this press release, please contact Flora Meadmore, Projects and Communications Officer, on 02074195427 or email press@medschools.ac.uk