Shut out: the medical profession’s intractable class problem

I was a working-class medical student in the early 1960s. There were several interventions that enabled me to achieve a successful medical career.

In the first place my parents, who had themselves been unable to access further education, were determined that their children were going to benefit from the newly available educational opportunities. They made sacrifices to enable us to do this. My career would have been impossible had it not been for the excellent free education I received and completely free university tuition, including a maintenance grant.

The headmaster at my Secondary Technical School in Lancashire was far-sighted and dedicated. He recognised my potential and encouraged me. He made sure the school timetable could provide for the necessary four science A levels in the sixth form. He suggested that I apply to the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine. This establishment was of course set up expressly to enable women to enter the medical profession.

My GP encouraged me. He told me that I would encounter prejudice against women, but not to let that deter me. He gave me some textbooks.

When I applied to the Royal Free there was a recent directive for sexual equality so that what had previously been exclusively a women’s college had a quota of 10% men. This was the reverse of the situation in most other colleges. I do not know whether there were any other specific entry criteria at that time for diversity. There were certainly many among my peers who were from non fee paying schools and who had parents who were not in the medical profession. There were also several students from other countries and other ethnic backgrounds. There was a nun. There were some mature students. We were all allocated a personal tutor who did take an interest in our welfare.

Later in my career I benefitted from mentors who gave me sound advice. One consultant in particular supported me to apply for the so-called married women’s retainer scheme. This enabled me to take maternity leave and return to a part time role to continue my postgraduate training. In my turn I have also tried to be a role model and a mentor to my colleagues.

In today’s world free tuition is not available and I am sure this is a major disincentive to many students. Providing bursaries, or removing tuition fees would make it possible for many more students to fulfil their potential in medicine. The importance of encouragement and advice from experienced mentors at every stage cannot be stressed enough. All members of the profession can contribute to this. Diversity legislation is also important, as without this it is easy for good intentions to fall by the wayside.

It is up to all of us to remember how we got to where we are and to help others to follow on.

Janet Thomas