Media release from the New Zealand Medical Students' Association

The announcement of the Medical Training Board today fails to include representation of learners.

This move goes against current government priorities, which acknowledge learners as the prime stakeholders in tertiary education. "That makes the make-up of this Board inadequate," says Mr Nick Fancourt, President of the New Zealand Medical Students' Association.

The Training Board is meant to be a cross-sector group linking the efforts of the Tertiary Education Commission and the Ministry of Health. "But this group fails to achieve that aim, devoid of involvement from key stakeholders."

The approach to the make-up of this Board is anchored in the past and prevents meaningful and effective decision-making processes.

"The Tertiary Education and Health sectors both face major challenges in ever changing environments. Learner representation is critical to ensuring the development of our training is appropriate."

Medical students have often proven their worth as valuable stakeholders.

"We have lead the only review on the impact of student debt for doctors, provided well-received submissions to many groups including the Workforce Taskforce, and are currently running the first ever critical review of the Trainee Intern (6th year) of medical studies," says Mr Fancourt.