Media Release

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Sunday, 18 April 2004

In response to recent criticism of the University of Adelaide's entry procedures for Medicine, Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha said:

"The University of Adelaide completely rejects claims that its intake of medical students is anything other than the very best. In fact, students accepted into our Medical School are among the best in the nation.

"The most common TER (tertiary entrance rank) achieved by students accepted into Adelaide's medical program this year and last year was 99.95.

"The University stands by its medical entry system, which is designed to produce the best doctors possible - young people who are brilliant and committed, who are excellent communicators and highly skilled medical practitioners.

"Our medical entry system is nationally and internationally respected, and is widely used by most medical schools around Australia and New Zealand.

"Our entry process has been scrutinised and approved by the Equal Opportunities Commissioner, the South Australian Ombudsman and the Australian Medical Council.

"It is not unusual for the University to receive a small number of complaints from parents whose children have missed out on a medical place at Adelaide.

"All candidates - regardless of their backgrounds - are considered on an equal basis. To do otherwise would discriminate against other, potentially more worthy students.

"The University of Adelaide is extremely proud of its medical students and graduates. The excellence of our Medical School is reflected in the very high demand for places at Adelaide every year."

More information about medical entry can be found here:
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/pr/media/releases/2003/medplaces.html