Otago launches Medical Students’ Elective Inquiry

Issued by University of Otago Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne

The University of Otago is launching a formal inquiry into sixth year Medical Degree electives following failure to meet attendance requirements for overseas electives by a significant number of students in the 2019 MB ChB Trainee Intern Class.

An independently-chaired panel has been appointed to undertake the inquiry. Australian National University Chair, Emeritus Professor Nicholas Glasgow is the Chairperson. He is joined by University of Otago Emeritus Professor Gareth Jones (Department of Anatomy) and Professor Shelley Griffiths (Faculty of Law).

The inquiry will broadly consider the administration of sixth year electives, particularly in 2019 but also in previous years; any evidence of insufficient elective attendance by trainee interns in the years prior to 2019; the extent, if any, to which Otago staff may have been aware of or encouraged insufficient elective attendance; the adequacy of steps taken by the Otago Medical School to tighten procedures; and what further steps might be recommended in future elective management.

Interested parties are invited to make written submissions relevant to the Terms of Reference of the Inquiry (https://www.otago.ac.nz/administration/otago791069.html). Submissions must be made by Friday 12 March.

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