Medical school test 'blocks' Asian students

Changes to the entry criteria for New Zealand medical schools will dramatically cut Asian student numbers, say Asian medical professionals.

New Zealand's medical schools are introducing a psychometric test, the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test, focusing on communication and problem solving. The test is standard for entry to medical schools in Australia, Britain, Canada and the US.

Applicants for the 2004 Otago medical course were required to sit the test last month, and it will be used to gain entry to Auckland Medical School from 2005.

Previously, applicants were selected on the average results in their pre-med-year exams.

The chairman of the Australasian Council of Chinese Medical Professionals, Dr Allen Liang, said medical students would now be selected according to medical school design.

"It is social engineering," he said. "They are telling people that to become doctors they have to be good with people. Not everyone wants to be a GP. They are blocking out others who will be good scientists."

Otago faculty of medicine dean Professor John Campbell said the university wanted students who were good communicators, critical thinkers and had excellent people skills.

- NZPA