There’s been a lot of discussion on #MedStudentTwitter ab privilege today. This is so important -here are some rambles which I hope might be semi coherent. The statistics ab who gets into medicine are shocking and need to change, and there needs to be greater equality.

Disclaimer: I am coming from a place of multiple layers of privilege, so am aware that my thoughts are not a priority here and don’t mean to occupy space where other voices should be heard above mine.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen a lot of medical students from more privileged backgrounds react negatively and defensively towards this topic and lash out at people starting this conversation - but we must have this discussion, and all of us have to consider this issue.

Being called privileged is not a bad word, I think a crucial step in working to create a more equal society is to recognise our respective privileges in order to step back, reflect, and be more understanding to others, and encourage more equality and widening access.

I come from a financially privileged background w parents who were university educated. There is no doubt that this helped me with many steps along the way to medical school, and continues to make certain things easier and more accessible. This shouldn’t be the case, but it is.

It’s can be uncomfortable to reflect on these things, but we must. I’m aware that many of my peers have more stressors/responsibilities than I do. How can we be ranked ag e/o when our circumstances are so different? I hope future generations can see more equality +less divides.

As people with privilege, whether this economical privilege, due to our ethnicity or any number of factors, we need to reflect and admit this privilege. In being either silent, or defensive and aggressive, we are amplifying this problem.

If you read a thread ab privilege and get incensed to spread anger or question it, it may be time to look inwards.

Only 4% of med students are from working class backgrounds so 96% of us must do better.

We’re all in this together and all must focus on #wideningparticipation.