Clincial Medicine: Application Conditions
Fitness to practise
The University is required by the General Medical Council to ensure that students who graduate with degrees of BM, BCh are fit to practise medicine. This is a matter in which health and conduct, and not simply academic standing are relevant. The Medical School accordingly has procedures for removing individuals from the Register of Medical Students on non-academic grounds.
The School, like other medical schools, is, in accordance with Department of Health guidance, asked to register with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). If you are offered a place then the DBS will be asked to check your details on police and government records. This check is known as a disclosure and a copy is sent to both the applicant and to designated persons in the Medical School. For further information on the DBS see its website.
Health
Oxford conforms to the UK Department of Health's requirements regarding immunisation status (hepatitis, BCG and rubella; freedom from Hepatitis B antigen carrier status). Medical students coming to Oxford are asked to fill in a confidential medical questionnaire before the beginning of the course and on occasion, specific advice may be given if the health profile of a student suggests potential difficulties in clinical care situations. Most importantly, certain immunizations are required for students where immunity does not already exist. These are rubella, BCG (for tuberculosis) and, of great importance, hepatitis B vaccination. You will not be able to be involved with NHS patients in the United Kingdom unless you are vaccinated against hepatitis B and have either shown a response to the vaccine or are shown not to be a carrier of hepatitis B antigen.
The University Occupational Health Service provides support to students in assessing any risks that arise from their clinical duties, advice on risk avoidance and immunization and innoculation for work overseas. Students undertaking elective periods abroad may obtain advice and inoculations from the University Occupational Health Service.
Students may be refused entry to, or be removed from, the University's Register of Medical Students on grounds that may be either academic or non-academic (for instance health or conduct).