MEDICAL STUDENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21937, 22 October 1934, Page 11

MEDICAL STUDENTS

LIMITATION IN DUNEDIN COMMENTS BY DOCTORS Comments made by Christchurch doctors on the decision of the Otago University Council to adopt regulations for limiting the number of students to be admitted to the second year of the medical course, were to the effect that the decision had been made necessary by the limited equipment and accommodation at the university. There was no suggestion of a move to avoid overcrowding in the medical profession. Under the new regulations the total number admitted will be approximately 60 students, the first 50 to be selected on a strictly numerical basis on the marks gained in the intermediate examination, and the remainder to be chosen after consideration of the candidates' records in ability and character. Dr. P. S. Foster said that there was ao question of the regulations having been adopted to prevent over-crowding of the medical profession in the Dominion. It was well recognised that the output of students went in cycles, the law of supply and demand operating to average out the numbers over long periods. D* Foster said that the university would be foolish to incur the expense ■ of extending its accommodation when the present situation would probably adjust itself in a few years. Past experience had shown that there was an alternation of shortage and over-supply of students. Another doctor stated that the reason for the University Council's decision was simply that it had not the laboratory and other facilities to cope with the number of students offering. The university was equipped to teach only a limited number. "Imagine EdinUniversity, with accommodation for 1500 students, having 3000 candidates thrust upon it. The position would be similar to that of Otago University if there were no limitation."