6 h. ago Only 5% of UK medical school entrants are working class, data shows

Sutton Trust says underrepresentation of poorer students is ‘outrageous’ but number has doubled in 10 years to 2022Students from working class backgrounds still only make up 5% of entrants to medical schools across the UK, a proportion that has doubled over the past decade, analysis has found.The research, conducted by the Sutton Trust and University College London (UCL), looked at almost 94,000 applicants to UK medical schools between 2012 and 2022, which represent almost half of all UK medical applicants. Continue reading...

Culture

40 h. ago Cold calling patients with bad news can be excruciating. At those times, instinct is all I can rely on | Ranjana Srivastava

Difficult news conveyed compassionately and sensitively doesn’t alter the facts but does change the patient experience“Can I get your professional opinion?” my friend asks. In the 30 years since medical school, we have exchanged many opinions but a constant has been the curveball questions thrown up by patient care. Questions that don’t have a clear answer that nonetheless test us.A new patient from last week has unexpectedly returned a biopsy showing cancer. The man typically defers his appointments, citing an inflexible work schedule. His first visit was delayed by a month and he doesn’t intend to return for the results any time soon. But suddenly, he doesn’t have the luxury of time. To plan treatment, the tumour board will need specialised tests. The tests can hardly be ordered without the patient knowing why. Continue reading...

Science

5 d. ago I've been on Ozempic for 2 years... what happened to me and my warning to anyone taking it

Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania has reached her high school weight after two years on the medication. She now feels it's time to wean off or switch to a lower dose.

Events

5 d. ago Harvard genetics professor shares what your fingernails say about your 'biological age'

Dr David Sinclair, a genetics professor at Harvard Medical School, has dedicated his career to understanding why we age

Politics

9 d. ago Laxatives and nappies: how schools are coping with constipation in pupils

One headteacher says diet, exercise and lack of water are factors in rise of casesPrimary-age child constipation rates up 60% in England and WalesLaxatives in the school medical cabinet, nappies in case of accidents, and hospital admissions for the most severe cases are being reported by teachers in England, suggesting that constipation is an increasing problem for their pupils.While constipation is known to be a common problem in children, teachers say they are being asked to administer more laxatives like Movicol which have been prescribed by GPs to their pupils. In the most concerning cases it can lead to surgery, while in others school avoidance, because of embarrassment and discomfort. Continue reading...

Politics

9 d. ago Vatican says the pope has a "polymicrobial respiratory tract infection." What is that?

Vatican authorities said Monday that Pope Francis has a complex infection in his respiratory system and will require more targeted drug treatment

Politics