Socio-demographic profile of medical students in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Bagg W et al.

February 8, 2024

Summary:

A national cross-sectional study has found that medical students do not reflect the diverse communities they will serve, with under-representation of Māori and Pacific students and those from low socioeconomic and rural backgrounds. A total of 2858 students enrolled to study medicine at the Universities of Auckland or Otago during 2016-2020 were included in the study. More women than men were enrolled in medicine (59.1% vs 40.9%), and almost all (96.5%) were in the 18-29 years age range. Rate ratios for enrolment of Māori and Pacific students were 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-1.0) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.73-0.98), respectively. Enrolment rates had a nearly log-linear negative relationship with increasing socioeconomic deprivation for all ethnic groups, irrespective of rural or urban origin. The rate ratio for enrolment of students from rural areas was 0.53 (95% CI 0.46-0.61) compared with those from urban areas. The study authors suggested several policy changes to address these issues.

Comment:

Many will have seen this in the news at the end of 2023, and the excellent commentary from authors when interviewed. A couple of examples are provided here https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2023/12/11/maori and-pasifika-medical-numbers-up-but-still-underrepresented-study/ and https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/11/govt-review-of-maori-pacific-doctor pathway-disappointing/.

Reference: BMJ Open. 2023;13(12):e073996.

Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.