RCPE comments on GMC’s tackling discrimination and inequality in medicine report

RCPE comments on GMC’s tackling discrimination and inequality in medicine report 

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (“the College”) has commented on the publication today by the GMC of its latest annual report Equality, diversity and inclusion: Targets, progress and priorities.

Speaking today Dr MaryAnn Ferreux, Chair of the College’s EDI Committee, said:

This report reinforces why equality, diversity and inclusion sit at the centre of RCPE’s strategy. Inequity in medicine emerges early and shapes progression and leadership across a career. While progress in reducing disproportionate referrals shows what accountability can deliver, slower change in education and training demands sustained action.

Addressing differential attainment is a core focus of our EDI strategy, and we are working with partners to tackle its structural causes. As a College, our role is to set clear standards and embed fairness across education and professional development, because inclusive cultures support a strong workforce and safe patient care.

 Professor Andrew Elder, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said:

The report is right to highlight just how deep-rooted some of the inequalities in medicine are. These inequalities are harmful to doctors themselves and for our NHS as a whole and the care it can provide to patients. Clearly there is much still to be done, especially in relation to education and training where progress seems to be especially challenging in some aspects.

It is, however, welcome that the GMC states that it is on course to eliminate disproportionate employer fitness to practice referrals of doctors from an ethnic minority by the end of this year and we look forward to confirmation of this in due course.

Our College remains committed to working positively with stakeholders right across the health and education sectors to eradicate inequalities and ensure our health system is as inclusive as possible.

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The GMC report is available here