MEDICAL TEACHING.

Evening Star, Issue 25698, 23 January 1946, Page 4

MEDICAL TEACHING.

The decision of the University Senate to establish a post-graduate ■ chair oif obstetrics and gynaecology is a forward move in medical education in New Zealand, but the wisdom of placing the new facilities for research and advanced study under the control of the Auckland University College Council may be seriously questioned, particularly in Otago. It is true that the course proposed will he available primarily to graduates who have completed their normal medical training and who have passed out of the Otago Medical School, but the policy of creating a highly-specialised medical faculty in another centre, and divorcing it completely from the school which 'possesses all the facilities and experts for training doctors, is open to question. The claims of Auckland for consideration in the establishment of a second medical school in Nevy Zealand have been raised from time to time over a period df years, but no convincing evidence has been adduced to prove that the additional facilities for training doctors are necessary. It has been argued that Dunedin _ cannot provide all the clinical material required for medical teaching, but the opinion of competent medical authorities is' that, 'so far from that being the case,' more than sufficient material can be provided in the Dunedin Hospital: During the war years, the absence of a number of doctors overseas has created an acute shortage of medical skill available to the community, and the position has been aggravated by the heavy calls made on the profession within the country by the armed forces and the growing demand for medical attention under social security. It appears, however, from a report published two days ago that the return of many doctors from overseas and.the registration of the latest batch of graduates will place the Dominion in a relatively favourable position for medical services. The provision of pos't-graduate training in obstetrics iff in line with the traditional New Zealand desire to maintain maternity services at the highest possible level. That teaching could, most probably, be best done in close association with the Otai?o Medical School.' but-it is bettei to have it in Auckland than not at all. An enthusiastic local # committee lias raised a very substantial amount of monev with which to endow the chair, and it would be churlish to attempt to deny the local people the facilities they so ardently desire, and for which they are so obviously prepared to pay. An assurance has been given that only post-graduate -training is intended at Auckland, and in those circurnstances it can only be hoped that success will attend the project. The new Chancellor of the Senate. Mr Justice Smith, has again pointed an unerring finger at some of the weaknesses of the set-up of the University. It has evolved according to circumstances, rather than to anv _ basic plan, and cracks have developed in the structure. For almost two years the Otago University Council has been trying to secure Government approval to a'proposal to appoint a full-time chancellor charged with the general administration of the University. The education authorities have apparently been slow to appreciate the wisdom of this course, and the necessary approval has not so far been announced. In recommending the preparation of a long-range plan for the New Zealand. University, Mr Justice Smith has urged that such an appointment should be made at all the colleges. High hopes will be held that a. statement from such an eminent quarter will produce results. His comments on the need for financial experts in the University, and a greater amount of publicity, are also worthy of attention. It has been frequently urged in Dunedin that the University should' become more^ conscious of the value of publicity. Goodwill from the public can be engendered onlv if the people are better informed of its aims and achievements.