Demography of medical students at the University of Otago, 2004-2008: a changing spectrum?

Aims: To review the demography of University of Otago Year 2 medical students for the period 2004-2008 to determine whether our graduates reflect the changing demography of New Zealand society.

Method: A demographic questionnaire was completed by students entering Year 2. This paper reviews data collected from 2004-2008 and compares the results with data collected between 1987-2000 and also with New Zealand census data.

Results: The demographic spectrum of the University of Otago Medical School Year 2 students does not show a general shift towards the demography of the New Zealand community. However, there have been specific positive changes for entrants with a rural background and the proportion of students who are New Zealand citizens. Of concern Maori and Pacific Island students and students from families with lower socioeconomic and educational status are under-represented in the reported period although there has been more recent improvement. In addition the proportion of students with a parent as a doctor has risen compared to the 1987-2000 cohort.

Conclusions: Further initiatives are needed to improve the numbers of Maori and Pacific Island students and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.