Reducing the disproportionate number of ethnic minority doctors referred to their regulator is a critical task for the General Medical Council, and we welcome its latest report which shows the gap is narrowing.
However, its conclusion that ‘inequality is embedded throughout a doctor’s career’ should concern everyone involved in the delivery of healthcare in the UK, from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to individual hospital managers.
Dr Naeem Nazem, head of medical at MDDUS, said: “Our own research shines a light on the harsh reality of working life for many doctors, particularly those who qualified overseas and now work in the NHS.
“Racial microaggressions from patients – and sometimes from staff – are a daily occurrence.
“A worrying 70% of international medical graduates (IMGs) told us they didn’t tell their manager about them because they didn’t believe their concerns would be taken seriously.
“The fact so many IMGs have little or no faith in the process for reporting their concerns about racism should serve as a call to action for the entire healthcare system.
“This is especially the case for the GMC, given it has said it wants to make whistleblowing effective.
“Overseas doctors and doctors from ethnic minorities make up a substantial proportion of the health workforce and so it is encouraging to hear the GMC believes it is on course to meet its target to reduce the disparity in the rates of referrals to it between ethnic minority and white doctors.”
ENDS
The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) is a mutual organisation that protects the professional interests of more than 65,000 doctors and dentists across the United Kingdom, offering access to indemnity, support and legal advice.
The full report, Annual equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) progress update 2024 is available on the GMC website. [Discrimination and disadvantage in medicine ‘persistent and pernicious’, says GMC Chief Executive - GMC (gmc-uk.org)]
For further information please contact Mareth Burns, junior communications officer, on mburns1@mddus.com.
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.