RCoA responds to GMC Equality, Diversity and Inclusion progress update
The GMC has published a report of its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) targets, progress and priorities.
The GMC has a long-term commitment, supported by the RCoA, to eliminate the disadvantage and discrimination in education and training faced by doctors from minority ethnic backgrounds and International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
Our workforce is increasingly diverse, as is the patient population, and everyone has a right to fairness and inclusion. As the report states, in addition to being a moral imperative, equity and diversity is essential for delivering the highest possible standards of patient care. Our members, and all healthcare professionals, must feel valued and supported.
The report shows some signs of progress, with a reduction in the disproportionality in employer referrals and a narrowing of the attainment gap for IMGs. However, it also finds that issues of inequality within the medical profession are ‘persistent and pernicious.’ In emphasising the need for greater progress, the GMC calls for action for leaders across medical education and training.
Dr Claire Shannon, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists said:
“Persistent inequalities in the medical profession have a detrimental impact on individual doctors and the profession as a whole. While it’s encouraging to see some progress, the GMC report shows we have a long way to go before all doctors experience the fairness they deserve.
“The RCoA is taking action across several fronts to address the persistent inequalities in our specialty and is committed to supporting our members from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and International Medical Graduates. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee leads our work in this area, aligned to our core value of justice and fairness.
“We are developing our exams to implement our differential attainment action plan and the recommendations from an independent review. This includes increasing diversity and representation within our examiner pool and providing training and support on the attainment gap for examiners and College Tutors.
“We are also piloting a series of differential masterclasses for candidates that are designed to help address relevant aspects of sitting and preparing for exams. Alongside this we have designed new training guidance to improve the accessibility of resources and provide increased support for candidates.
“Eradicating inequality is a long-term challenge, but it is fundamentally important to us. We will continue to work with the GMC and others across the profession to do all we can to achieve it.”
