Financial Support

• NHS bursary was discussed and how current support available is not sufficient for most students.

• BMA statistics surrounding medical students were given to reinforce this – 44% of are expected to run out of money before the end of the year; 1 in 7 will apply for hardship funding and 1 in 25 will use foodbanks.

• Travel reimbursement needs to be more equitable e.g., some hospitals engage in reimbursement unlike GP’s, some students can barely afford to travel to placement, having to travel far compared to a more well-off student who is in Leeds (Lack of Equity)

• Was discussed how funding model shift and lack of awareness around funding perpetuates a dangerous conspiracy of silence as most students are unaware of major financial burdens they will incur as they progress through the MBChB.

• Lack of equal opportunities for electives – Major financial barrier stopping students taking on a compulsory elective other than Leeds is a poor system that needs to change to guarantee more diverse opportunities for medical students.

 Access to Leeds

• The scheme is good at getting students onto the course, but this support dissipates once students are enrolled.

• Due to busy medical student timetables, students can’t attend some events offered by the plus programme.

• Main issue bough up is that Access to Leeds doesn’t directly address needs of medical students – needs to be more specific opportunities.

• Linked with financial topic – the scheme needs to integrate financial support more for students coming onto and staying onto course amid cost-of-living crisis – more funding more scholarships and bursaries.

Palestine and Israel

• Due to the nature and duration of the meeting a full discussion could not proceed as a result, however points were forwarded.

• As conflict escalates students are becoming more affected by the civilian death and destruction in the middle east.

• Rise in islamophobia and antisemitism should be a university concern – What is the university doing about this?

• Chaplain joining IDF has sparked outrage amongst students – although not a school of medicine issue it was still put forward (with a statement and clarity requested).

• Some students unhappy with disproportionate response on solidarity with Palestine compared to Ukraine war – some students uncomfortable with disproportionate university agenda.

• Statement was given in meeting about acknowledging the horror going on and directed where students should go for support whether that be reporting abuse or seeking support.

• Overall, a full discussion couldn’t take place as it was a School of Medicine meeting, points were still brought up regardless to honour the countless number of students who are concerned with the conflict.

Microaggression Campaign

• Campaign introduced in the meeting with posters and commentary from Kate Summers.

• Discussion took place in meeting mainly regarding feedback.

• Kate asked for us to share this with students for additional feedback prior to launch  – this was done.