Medical schools take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence extremely seriously.
We welcome the BMA’s report on sexism and sexual violence towards medical students in the UK, and we share its commitment to ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and respected throughout their education. No student should ever feel unsafe in their learning environment, and medical schools remain fully committed to tackling these issues in partnership with the NHS.
We are deeply concerned by findings that many respondents did not feel their medical school would support them and even more so by reports where victims’ concerns were dismissed. This is unacceptable, and we are determined to change it. Through the Medical Schools Council (MSC), medical schools have been actively strengthening how we prevent, respond to, and address all forms of sexual harassment and discrimination.
We are already working with the General Medical Council (GMC) to improve reporting mechanisms for all forms of harassment and discrimination. This includes a joint project focused on raising concerns and reporting incidents more effectively. The GMC is also beginning a comprehensive review of its guidance, to incorporate sanctions and fitness-to-practise procedures.
As part of the wider university community, medical schools are bound to comply with the various recommendations from the respective regulatory bodies in the four nations of the UK. In England these include the Office for Students (OfS) which have requirements for universities to ensure students are protected from sexual harassment and discrimination, as well as Universities UK (UUK) which have guidance on tackling harassment and misconduct and implementing structures appropriately. In Scotland, universities use the Equally Safe framework to address and tackle gender-based violence. We also welcome the NHS Sexual Safety Charter and recognise that a coordinated, system-wide approach across education and healthcare is essential.
Clinical placements present particular challenges, as students often work in environments where those responsible for harassment are not employed by their university. This creates multiple, sometimes fragmented, reporting systems across different providers. We believe a uniform reporting and support system is needed across the UK to ensure that all healthcare learners, medical and otherwise, are protected and supported when issues arise during placements. Medical schools will work with postgraduate education leaders and NHS partners to develop a more coordinated strategy and ensure clear, effective pathways for action.
The GMC’s Good Medical Practice makes clear that discrimination is everyone’s problem and that doctors must not ignore inappropriate behaviour. We welcome the emphasis on calling out unacceptable patient or staff behaviour and ensuring that students and staff are better supported when these incidents occur.
Medical schools recognise and value the insights provided by reports such as this. They shed light on persistent challenges and provide vital information that helps us work more effectively to drive change. We are committed to improving reporting and safeguarding and ensure that medical students can thrive in a safe and protected environment.Dr Katie Petty-Saphon, CEO, Medical Schools Council
The data in the report are deeply concerning and we acknowledge the bravery of those who have come forward with their stories to expose a broken system and culture that has lasted for too long. Medical schools are committed to working with their NHS partners and the regulators to create a more coordinated and robust reporting system to prevent and address all forms of harassment and discrimination. It’s our duty to protect our medical students by creating a safe and supported learning environment and ensuring a just course of action is taken when needed.Professor Steve Riley, Chair, Medical Schools Council