Waikato Medical School Plan to Drop Ethnicity Priority Draws Criticism
Published
A plan from New Zealand's newest medical school to remove ethnicity as a priority factor in admissions has received strong criticism from a leader in the general practice sector. The proposal would change how the Waikato medical school selects its students, and the school has not yet given full details of how the new system would work.
The head of a major GP organisation has described the plan as regressive and disappointing. Some critics have said the change is almost offensive to Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Ethnicity has been used in medical school admissions to help increase the number of Māori and Pacific doctors, who are often underrepresented in the health workforce.
Supporters of the current system argue that having doctors who reflect the communities they serve can improve health outcomes, especially for Māori patients, who often face worse health results than other New Zealanders. Medical training in New Zealand is highly competitive, and admission decisions are closely watched by students, universities and health professionals.
The debate is likely to continue as the Waikato medical school develops its admissions policy. Readers who want to follow the story can expect further comments from health leaders, Māori groups and the school in the coming weeks.
Sources: 1News
More New Zealand news
- New Zealand Firm Among First Globally to Earn AI Security Testing Accreditation
- Creative Awards Reveal Judging Panel and Extend Entry Deadline
- EV Experts Answer Questions at New Zealand EV & Tech Expo in Auckland
- New Labour and National MPs Share Why They Entered Parliament
- Opportunity Party Leader Meets Luxon and Hipkins in Back-to-Back Talks
- NZ Business Magazine Calls for an End to 'Flip-Flopping'
- High Surgery Costs Put Pressure on New Zealand Insurers and Their Members
- Southern Cross Health Society Returns to Surplus After Two Years of Losses