Training doctors - Embrace this good idea

YESTERDAY was a significant one in education and health care in Ireland.

The University of Limerick’s first 32 Graduate Entry Medical School students were conferred, copper-fastening a path to a degree in medicine that circumvents the almost impossible points requirement of the Leaving Certificate. Those who graduated yesterday came to the subject relatively late, having been conferred with degrees in other disciplines.

The course recognises that academic assessment does not always identify those with the qualities suited to a career in medicine — or any other career for that matter. It offers a second chance to those who might wish to qualify in medicine but, for whatever reason, did not match the criteria earlier in their lives.

This is an empowering, enriching innovation that will make our educational and medical systems stronger. It should be extended to encompass other professions.