Young people with disabilities teach medical students the 'three Ds'

The sessions will form part of the week-long ‘3D' workshop, which hopes to teach Bristol University's future doctors about the three Ds: disability, disadvantage and diversity.
 
Members of the local buddying service for disabled children, Young and Free, will be talking to the students about their own experiences of the local health services in light of their own physical and sensory difficulties.
 
Ligia Farrow of Young and Free said: "Disabled young people have a lot to say about how doctors and other medical professionals can better speak to them and understand their needs. These workshops will give them the opportunity to have their voices heard by the very people who can really make a difference."
 
Bristol University clinical lecturer and 3D organiser Dr Jo Brooks thinks that learning on the job is the best way to learn. "We want these students to learn about the importance of patient participation through partnership working, but rather than simply telling them they need to be working in partnership with people with impairments, we're actually modelling it," Brooks added.
 
All of the medical students in their second year at Bristol University have been taking part in 3D week, which is due to finish tomorrow.