This paper describes the current sociodemographic characteristics of all students accepted into the 8 health professional programmes in 2010 at the University of Otago. Students were largely (88.1%) from outside the Otago region. Most (59.6%) were female and 84.8% were either New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. Within the domestic student cohort, 65.0% of students self-identified as being within the New Zealand European & Other category (vs 75.3% of the national population), 34.2% as Asian (vs 11.1%), 6.3% as Māori (vs 15.2%), and 2.3% as Pacific (vs 7.7%). A large proportion of students came from high socioeconomic areas; only 3.4% of students had attended secondary schools with a socioeconomic decile of <4.
Medical and dental schools “struggle to achieve a balance of students which reflects the ethnic and socioeconomic reality of the societies they serve”. The authors have identified various reasons for this, including the elitist nature of these courses and disparities in access to quality high school educational opportunities. Current policies at Otago either aim at attracting and recruiting students from diverse backgrounds, or respond to the specific learning needs of vulnerable student groups (for example, those from low-decile schools) through bridging or foundation courses. I’d suggest that such a response is required earlier (i.e. intermediate years) rather than later.
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.
