Medical schools

As a graduate and former academic staff member of the Otago University Medical School, I read with interest and insight NZ medical schools lift diversity and Medical school: Who gets in and why (May 16).

In particular, I noted the extensive anecdotal comments and opinions of Professor Peter Crampton, a GP and recent dean of the Otago Medical School, who is at present professor in Kohatu – Centre for Hauroa Ma¯ ori.

Health practitioners virtually without exception, and the majority of citizens, are concerned about the health and wellbeing of all humans regardless of race, gender orientation or social status.

Ma¯ ori and Pasifika health practitioners conversant and familiar with the nuances of providing personal healthcare to their brethren are essential elements of New Zealand’s health and social services.

More accessible primary health care, including mental health, and social services are desperately needed by Ma¯ ori and Pasifika. So, Ma¯ ori and Pasifika individuals invoking ethnicity and cultural values to gain entry to medical school should be bonded to, in due course, benefit their communities with their acquired skills and expertise.

If not willing to do so they must

compete for entry to medical education on the same basis of academic performance ranking and personal attributes as is required of others.

Of course, this issue of entry being subject to providing service to specified communities must also apply to those who cite rural residency or some other exclusive criteria when seeking entry to medical education.

Dr Russell Franklin, Wellington [abridged]