It
should be noted that successful completion of the course is not the
only possible positive outcome for a student in difficulty. Students
who discover that they do not wish to follow a career in medicine
will benefit from transferring to another course, or may be able to
leave carrying some academic credit with them. For students who
are unable to reach the standards required of them on qualification,
despite the help they receive in overcoming the issues facing them,
failing to qualify should be seen as a positive outcome that protects
patients (Box 17.3).