Med entry caps debate ongoing

THE resolve of Maori and Pasifika students is being strengthened while debate continues about the possibility of caps on alternative entries into the Otago Medical School.

Te Oranga ki Otakou president Isaac Smiler said Maori and Pasifika students were determined to make their mark at the University of Otago and in the workforce.

‘‘We are finding strength within ourselves and reminding ourselves that we will be as competent and as safe as any other graduate, and that our people need us,’’ Mr Smiler said.

The university is considering changing the way students are admitted to the medical school.

Under its mirror on society policy, some students are accepted through alternative pathways such as Maori, Pasifika and rural, rather than purely on grades.

Discussions about possible changes are at an early stage, but caps on the number of students accepted through the alternative pathways was one possibility raised in a discussion document.

Student association representatives have united to express their concern.

Mr Smiler told RNZ students were also frustrated by a lack of direct communication with vicechancellor Harlene Hayne.

‘‘She has continued to block and deny us a chance to voice our concerns and to ask our questions.’’

Prof Hayne said she had not refused to meet students.

She would be happy to do this after they had discussed their concerns with the health sciences provicechancellor and the medical school dean, she said.

Peter Crampton, who led the development of the Mirror on Society policy — introduced in 2012 — said it was designed to help create a health workforce that reflected New Zealand's diverse communities.

Prof Crampton said the university had developed strong relationships with Maori and Pacific communities.

‘‘We are definitely making a difference to the health workforce and changing the way the future will be in respect to the makeup of the workforce, and the university is very clear about celebrating those successes.’’

Prof Crampton said Maori and Pacific leadership voices had been absent from initial discussions.

Health sciences provicechancellor Paul Brunton said the discussion document was initially presented to the university’s medical admissions committee last month.

The associate Maori dean and the associate Pacific dean were not present but did attend a later meeting.

‘‘If a formal proposal for change is developed, all stakeholders would be asked for feedback, including Maori and Pacific representatives and student groups, before any changes are made.’’ — RNZ