British Medical Association says no place for bullying in medical schools

Commenting on a paper in today's (Friday 1 October) British Medical Journal on 'the hidden curriculum' in medical schools, Dr Peter Dangerfield, chair of the BMA's Board of Medical Education, said:

"There should be no place for humiliation or poorly organised teaching in the 21st century medical school. The idea that students learn best when they're terrified is outdated and has been rejected by the vast majority of academics and consultants. Medical school should be a place where students learn from role models in a positive and friendly atmosphere.

"But while the culture of learning is changing, we need to see practical action to address the staffing crisis in medical schools. Many of the problems experienced by students in this study are the result of shortages of medical academics. The medical career structure needs to be reformed so that teaching becomes an attractive option, rather than a poor relation to clinical work and research."

http://www.bma.org.uk