Why this site exists
Medical training is hard enough without having to decode a school policy or figure out who to contact. Medicine Without Barriers was created by a medical student, with help, feedback, and review from others, to make this information easier to understand and use.
The goal is simple: help students make sense of mental health, disability access, accommodations, and self-advocacy during medical training. You should be able to skim a page and leave knowing what might apply to you and what to try next.
What this site can—and cannot—do
Most of this site focuses on medical training in the United States, including school accommodations, clinical training, the USMLE, the ADA, and Section 504. It is an educational resource, not an official authority, school office, testing organization, or legal service.
We use reliable sources where we can and link to the original information. Policies, procedures, laws, and testing requirements can change, so always check the current official source before making an important decision.
A quick, important note
- This is not medical or legal advice. The site cannot diagnose, treat, or tell you what to do in your specific situation.
- Get individualized help when you need it. That might mean talking with a physician, disability or accessibility professional, your medical school, a testing organization, an attorney, or another appropriate professional.
- Official sources come first. Current instructions from your school, USMLE, NBME, NBOME, or a government agency may change and control over anything summarized here.
Checking the original source
You will see links to sources such as the Department of Education, Department of Justice, and USMLE throughout the site. Use those links to check the current rule or process, especially when an exam date, deadline, accommodation request, or school decision is involved.