Professional Development
This scholarly programme explores how widening participation (WP) policies contribute to professional identity development by promoting equity and diversity in medical education. The goal of WP is to create a more representative medical workforce by increasing access for underrepresented groups, which enriches the learning environment and fosters inclusivity. However, there are challenges of measuring success in WP, and a need for a holistic approach to admissions, retention, and support, ensuring that diverse students not only enter but thrive in medical education.
Widening Participation
When I say … widening participation
(link to: When I say … widening participation - Simpson - 2024 - Medical Education - Wiley Online Library)
Widening participation in medical education refers to policies aimed at increasing access and engagement for historically underrepresented groups, ensuring equity rather than equality in educational opportunities. These policies, which vary across countries and institutions, focus on factors like socio-economic status and aim to create a diverse workforce that mirrors the general population, ultimately improving patient care. However, inconsistent definitions and criteria, along with varied approaches to implementation, create challenges for effectively evaluating and enacting these policies.
From policy to practice: Measuring success in widening participation
This commentary discusses the challenges of implementing widening participation (WP) policies in medical education, highlighting the complexities in measuring success and ensuring equitable outcomes. It emphasises the need for more granular indicators to avoid homogenising diverse groups, and stresses that success should not solely be measured by student intake but also by student retention and attainment. The authors argue for a multi-faceted approach involving admissions, assessments, pastoral care, and financial support, while also addressing how to manage and remedy policy failures in WP.
