In her opening speech at the GMC Symposium 2023, Dame Carrie MacEwen spoke about the importance of NHS leaders taking ownership of creating the right environment for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and others to feel able to raise concerns if they are being treated unfairly at work.
Dr Naeem Nazem, head of medical at MDDUS said: "We are encouraged to hear Dame Carrie MacEwen has today committed the GMC to understanding better the experiences of doctors who have faced discrimination at work.
"Our research shows that a majority of IMGs have been subject to racist microaggressions. And that 72% never speak up because they believe they won't be taken seriously.
"MDDUS has made it plain we hear these doctors and has called on the GMC to use its influence to ensure Trusts and health boards design reporting processes that doctors who experience racism in the workplace can trust.
"Dame Carrie's statement today is a step in the right direction we can welcome."
In her opening speech at the GMC Symposium 2023, Dame Carrie said:
“In a medical workplace it's vital that everybody feels able to raise questions and highlight issues. Not only that, everyone should be confident that their voice will be heard, and that any concerns they have will be acted upon appropriately.
“We are fortunate to have an increasingly ethnically diverse workforce. However, we know that some doctors experience discrimination based on their race in the workplace. That's wholly unacceptable, as is discrimination based on any personal characteristic, including but also beyond those protected by legislation”
ENDS
The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) is a mutual organisation that protects the professional interests of more than 56,000 doctors and dentists across the United Kingdom, offering access to indemnity, support and legal advice.
We have launched a campaign called We Hear You because we believe that no medical professional should be subjected to behaviour from patients or colleagues that, intentionally or unintentionally, calls into question their experience and abilities as a doctor or dentist.
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.