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 student admissions has received strong criticism. The proposal comes from the Waikato medical school, and some health leaders say it could affect Māori students and the future of the country's health workforce.
The plan would stop giving ethnicity priority when the school decides which students to accept. Supporters of the change may argue that admissions should be based on other factors. However, a leader from the general practitioner (GP) sector has described the idea as regressive and disappointing. He said the plan is almost offensive to Māori, and he believes it could make it harder for Māori to become doctors.
Medical schools in New Zealand have used ethnicity as one factor in admissions for many years. The aim has been to train more doctors who understand the needs of their communities and to improve health outcomes for Māori, who often face worse health results than other groups. Critics of the Waikato plan say that removing this priority could reduce the number of Māori doctors at a time when the health system needs more of them.
The debate is likely to continue as the new medical school develops its admission policies. Readers can expect further comment from health groups, students and the university in the coming weeks.
Sources: 1News
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