Response to ‘The 3Rs: A student perspective’

Dear Sir

We appreciate the interest in our paper (Eley & Stallman 2014) and the insightful observations by Julian and Alex. Their comments clearly portray an understanding of the ethos of education and the requisite characteristics that enable success in medicine. We acknowledge the validity of their argument that ‘academic endeavour and paying fees are surely not mutually exclusive’. However we would counter the implication that fee-paying is the only factor involved in ensuring the development and maintenance of the 3Rs. Moreover, it was not the intention to present a simplistic overview of what is an extremely complex set of circumstances – which are most certainly different for every student. The statement made was a generic point regarding a noted cultural shift towards materialism and status in society and how it may be driving a different model of education.

It is not surprising that the authors quite rightly realize that this is a phenomenon which is not embraced by the majority of students. In particular medical students, who by the time they reach medical school, understand very well that it is commitment and hard work that enables success. Nevertheless the notion of a consumer model of education is a reality that will continue to be driven by increasing competition in gaining selection into medical school alongside decreasing resources toward providing and maintaining the highest quality education. This we maintain is a further challenge to both universities and students to preserve the highest standards in the face of difficult times.

We are in agreement with their final statement that students, as consumers, may be instrumental in driving up standards. This confirms our point that there is a cultural shift which provides students the opportunity, indeed the responsibility, to take more control over their education. They are in fact the ‘key stakeholders’ in their education and therefore entitled to expectations commensurate with what is at stake – their education.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest.