NZMSA Responds to Otago Medical School Investigation

The New Zealand Medical Students’ Association (NZMSA) acknowledges the outcome of investigations into trainee intern electives at the Otago Medical School.

The issue of trainee interns not completing their overseas elective requirements has been found to be more widespread than first thought with many layers of complexity. The individual circumstances for each student would have been different; however, producing misleading or false reports cannot be condoned. Many students have willingly come forward and acknowledged that there needs to be consequences for this. All students we have spoken to are deeply regretful and understand the importance of honesty and integrity in their professional lives.

The NZMSA is pleased to see a solution that should allow for all involved to begin their employment as first year doctors in the coming weeks, once the Medical School consequences have been worked through. The solution recognises the hard work and professionalism that all medical students have shown over a number of years to be fit to serve the health sector.

The NZMSA welcomes the University of Otago's review into elective placements so it can understand how its systems have failed and allowed a situation of this scale to occur. We agree with the Dean of the Otago Medical School, Professor Barry Taylor, that this issue is not likely to be isolated to this year’s students, nor just one medical school. We will work with the Otago Medical School to make changes for the future.

Ngā mihi,

Ellie Baxter

President, New Zealand Medical Students' Association