As a medical student currently in the middle of my intercalation year, I must admit that points were one of the motivating factors for my intercalation. I am one of the lucky few who will graduate in time for them to remain relevant for UK Foundation Programme applications. However, I feel that in the race for points, we (myself included) may well be missing the point entirely.
Medical students and professionals tend to be very accomplished at jumping through hoops. From the literal tick boxes of UCAS forms to the barely less defined tick boxes of A-level choices, work experience, volunteer work, extra-curricular success, and aptitude tests, our entire experience of higher education is prescribed checklists. This later evolves into OSCEs, e-portfolios, the PSA, and foundation year applications during medical school. We are programmed for points and as a result, are uncomfortable with any un-ticked boxes. This latest change is essentially the result of an insatiable desire for points. As stated by the UKFPO, applications seeking points for educational achievements have increased from 30% to 70%(1). Whilst their reasoning focuses on the increasingly difficult task of differentiating candidates, I believe the changes will encourage students to consider more carefully which hoops are worth jumping through. Intercalation is an opportunity, especially for undergraduate students, to explore new fields and discover career-influencing interests. It should not feel like a necessary step for progression, increasing pressure financially and mentally on a population of already stretched individuals (2,3). Removing this pressure will widen participation and encourage action based on genuine interest, rather than more checkboxes.
I do believe this is a positive change for medicine. However, the notion that the guidelines should change at a time point that will not affect the results of decisions already made (2024) is warranted. It is neither fair nor logical to move the hoop whilst people are still jumping. Whilst I am in no way condoning the frankly appalling communication and proposed timings of the new guidelines, I cannot help but think that this is a step towards more fulfilled, happy, confident medical professionals instead of exhausted hoop jumpers.
Yours Sincerely,
Jared McSweeney
1. UKFPO latest statement sent to medical schools for circulation: Removal of Educational Achievements for entry UKFP 2023. https://healtheducationengland.sharepoint.com/UKFPO/Website%20Documentat...
2. Munn F. Medical students and suicide. BMJ. 2017;:j1460.
3. BMJ. (2015, September 1). Medical students with mental health problems do not feel adequately supported: Survey provides a snapshot of mental health problems among medical students in the UK. ScienceDaily.
Rapid Response:
Points: Are we missing the point?
Dear Editor,
As a medical student currently in the middle of my intercalation year, I must admit that points were one of the motivating factors for my intercalation. I am one of the lucky few who will graduate in time for them to remain relevant for UK Foundation Programme applications. However, I feel that in the race for points, we (myself included) may well be missing the point entirely.
Medical students and professionals tend to be very accomplished at jumping through hoops. From the literal tick boxes of UCAS forms to the barely less defined tick boxes of A-level choices, work experience, volunteer work, extra-curricular success, and aptitude tests, our entire experience of higher education is prescribed checklists. This later evolves into OSCEs, e-portfolios, the PSA, and foundation year applications during medical school. We are programmed for points and as a result, are uncomfortable with any un-ticked boxes. This latest change is essentially the result of an insatiable desire for points. As stated by the UKFPO, applications seeking points for educational achievements have increased from 30% to 70%(1). Whilst their reasoning focuses on the increasingly difficult task of differentiating candidates, I believe the changes will encourage students to consider more carefully which hoops are worth jumping through. Intercalation is an opportunity, especially for undergraduate students, to explore new fields and discover career-influencing interests. It should not feel like a necessary step for progression, increasing pressure financially and mentally on a population of already stretched individuals (2,3). Removing this pressure will widen participation and encourage action based on genuine interest, rather than more checkboxes.
I do believe this is a positive change for medicine. However, the notion that the guidelines should change at a time point that will not affect the results of decisions already made (2024) is warranted. It is neither fair nor logical to move the hoop whilst people are still jumping. Whilst I am in no way condoning the frankly appalling communication and proposed timings of the new guidelines, I cannot help but think that this is a step towards more fulfilled, happy, confident medical professionals instead of exhausted hoop jumpers.
Yours Sincerely,
Jared McSweeney
1. UKFPO latest statement sent to medical schools for circulation: Removal of Educational Achievements for entry UKFP 2023. https://healtheducationengland.sharepoint.com/UKFPO/Website%20Documentat...
2. Munn F. Medical students and suicide. BMJ. 2017;:j1460.
3. BMJ. (2015, September 1). Medical students with mental health problems do not feel adequately supported: Survey provides a snapshot of mental health problems among medical students in the UK. ScienceDaily.
Competing interests: No competing interests