ePOSTER
Abstract Title
Widening Participation in Medicine: Has students perception changed?
Theme
9JJ Admission to Medicine and Postgraduate Training Programmes
INSTITUTION
Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry
Background
- 1997- Widening participation (WP) schemes introduced.
- To widen socioeconomic background of doctors.
- 2004 study- Students thought medical school was for ''posh'' students only.
- Is this still the case?
Summary of Work
- Focus groups - two schools- sixth form students involved in a WP project.
- Questionnaires - private school students not in WP project.
- Found out about students' perception of getting into medicine.
- Compared help received by WP and private school students.
Summary of Results
- Less extra-curricular opportunities ''They have stuff to put on their personal statement that stands them out.''
- Work experience difficult to get ''game of Russian Roulette''
- Students can compete with same opportunities ''I think if you’re given the same opportunities that they’re given then it does put you at the same level.''
- Want more specific help with personal statements and UKCAT preparation.
- 88% private school students- some or a lot of help with aptitude tests.
Take-home Messages
- There are very successful elements currently present in the widening participation scheme and also aspects which can be improved on.
- The widening participation scheme needs to provide more work experience and extra curricular opportunities for students.
- Need to provide more help for students.
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