A LEADING Scottish doctor has expressed concern about the possibility of redundancies in universities affecting the study of medicine.
Dr Paddy Mark, a clinical reader at Glasgow University and consultant in the transplant unit of the new Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, raised concern that doctors maybe discouraged from careers in teaching and learning by issues faced by those working in higher education.
Dr Mark, who spoke out after being elected chair of the British Medical Association's Scottish medical academic staff committee, said: “Scotland has long maintained an excellent reputation in medical education and research, but recently the committee has become concerned by the possibility of redundancies in some Scottish universities and changes to pensions, both of which could have serious implications for academic medicine in Scotland.
“The threat of redundancy may have a significantly adverse effect on academic medicine in Scotland by discouraging doctors from seeking academic careers and raise doubts about the value of research and teaching.”
He said the committee would continue to fight against any compulsory medical academic job losses.
Dr Mark added: “Medical academics in Scotland will be disproportionately hit by USS (Universities Superannuation Scheme) plans to reduce pension contributions as they have to move to the USS after eight years, whereas those in England can usually choose to stay in the NHS scheme. This represents a major reduction in the remuneration package available to clinical academics in Scotland and would mean they are paid substantially less than their NHS colleagues.
“This would be a serious blow to clinicians in Scotland and a disincentive to young people considering an academic role."
Universities in Aberdeen and Dundee are among those which have take steps to axe posts.
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