Widening participation policy has too often been based on a deficit model, where disadvantaged young people are viewed as needing to be “fixed” or “topped up” before entering the profession. This narrative unfairly transfers the burden of change onto individuals, forcing them to fit into a system that was not built for them.
In a recent article for WonkHE, Dr Courtney Krstić, Senior Policy Officer at the Medical Schools Council, argues that in order to build a healthcare workforce that truly reflects the diversity of the UK, medical schools must reconsider how they select students.
To achieve meaningful change, a systems-based approach is required—one that re-examines every stage of medical education. Standardising contextual criteria and ensuring clear, accessible guidance for applicants are essential steps to strengthening the profession and upholding the NHS’s commitment to excellence.
