University of St. Andrews - degrees and licenses in medicine and dentistry: consultation analysis

Annex K: The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties In Scotland

Thank you for seeking the views of the Scottish Academy.

This consultation seeks views on reinstating the ability of the University of St Andrews ("the University") to hold qualifying examinations for or granting undergraduate degrees in medicine, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and certificates in midwifery and dentistry, by removing a legislative barrier which is not in place for any other UK higher education institution.

The Academy is supportive of removing this prohibition and congratulates the University in its work to set up the ScotGEM MBChB course jointly with the University of Dundee.

Other comments received related to ensuring new medical school capacity was balanced by access to the necessary clinical teaching exposure and also enhanced the capacity to recruit from rural and deprived areas, preferably for Scottish domiciled students as there is evidence that they will be more likely to live and work in the areas that we know have the highest need for medical manpower.

Dr Miles Mack
Scottish Academy Chair

3/6/2020