Junior doctors are in uproar ahead of A-Level results day off the back of figures claiming that for the first time ever some institutions have unfilled places to study Medicine.
According to them, the figures are proof positive that their endless battle with Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt over their new contracts is driving talented students away from medicine.
This, they claim, is behind places being offered in the UCAS “clearing” system, which lets students who miss their offers scoop up a spot somewhere else.
why are medical schools offering places in clearing? my view here in @IndyVoices #juniordoctor https://t.co/mGbjlESpfo
— Dr Reena Aggarwal (@drraggarwal) August 15, 2016
@drraggarwal This is factually inaccurate. Medical schools have offered places through clearing for years. St Georges doing it for 1st time
— Shaun Lintern (@ShaunLintern) August 15, 2016
The problem? It’s complete nonsense.
Official data shows that Medicine has had clearing spots for years – usually between 200 and 400:
A UCAS spokesman confirmed to Heat Street that there are always places for Medicine in clearing – and that this is nothing new.
Am I really reading medicine has spaces in clearing? @ucas_online Inevitable after the last year? #juniordoctors https://t.co/MqyUBFJ8yf
— Chris McAloon (@DrChrisMcAloon) August 11, 2016
Some institutions, such as medical school St George’s, which is part of the University of London, are showing clearing spaces for the first time.
However, St George’s says that this is a result of providing equal opportunities for more students. They said they “believe that going into Clearing is the fairest way for us to get outstanding students – given the unpredictability of A level grades and the strict intake quotas.”
Indeed, this particular institution received more applications this year than in 2015 – debunking the whole argument in one go.
Wow. A UK University undergrad medicine programme goes into UCAS clearing. Got to be a first. https://t.co/Lf0ejKuRpT
— doug west (@duggiewest) August 12, 2016
One reason clearing exists in Medicine is that it’s bloody hard to get in, and many who receive offers simply fail to make the grade – opening the way for others.
UCAS figures show that in 2015, there were 390 spots for clearing – down from 425 in 2014.
These confected complaints are just more hyperbole from the relentlessly political junior doctors, desperate for more ammunition in their fight with the government.
By plucking a new trend out of mid-air, the doctors are scaremongering about a future doctor shortage – and trying to pin the blame on Hunt.
The facts aren’t in their favour. The course is still very attractive to many students.
Let’s not forget – choosing a career in medicine is not a split-second decision. It requires years of preparation and dedication.
While junior doctors may be prepared to jump to conclusions and bend over backwards to score political points, their younger peers, it seems, are not.
