College responds to GMC’s equality, diversity and inclusion progress update

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (“the College”) has responded to the publication today of the GMC’s new report Equality, diversity and inclusion. Targets, progress and priorities for 2024. 

The report sets out the progress being made on meeting key targets including those to:

• eliminate disproportionate fitness to practice referrals by 2026
• eliminate inequality in medical education in 2031
• improve the representation and progression of ethical minority staff at the GMC by 2026.

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

The GMC report identifies that while some progress is being made, systemic issues remain in relation to racism and discrimination in medicine.

Our College is committed to removing barriers and bias in healthcare, and embedding an inclusive culture which values diversity. Our EDI strategy was launched at the end of 2023, and the EDI Committee is actively working on increasing cultural safety and competency for healthcare professionals, developing a plan for addressing differential attainment in exams and increasing the diversity of our Fellows and Council.

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

The College welcomes the progress that has been recorded across the GMC’s targets, including in relation to reducing attainment gaps in specialty training between white and ethnic minority doctors.

At the same time, we understand how much more still needs to be done and just how challenging this will be. The GMC is correct to talk about how persistent and pernicious inequality remains and how focusing on long term, cultural and systemic issues is necessary if we are to eradicate all inequalities.

Tackling inequalities and discrimination within medicine will of course also lead to a better health service for patients throughout the NHS.

As a College we remain committed to embedding equality and diversity across all of our activities and structures and to becoming a leader in best practice for equality, diversity and inclusion.