Widening access:Achieving equity in medical education

The issues in terms of widening access (WA) are very different in medicine compared to other healthcare professions. We focus on the challenge of increasing diversity into medicine in the UK context, but use examples to maximize the relevance and transferability of our messages internationally. By the end of this chapter, you should have a better understanding of and be able to explore further the complexity of WA to medicine, including:the synergies and tensions between WA and maintaining quality;the gap between political directives and policy enactment within medical education;and how those from non-traditional or under-represented minority (URM) backgrounds may experience medical school.We highlight areas for further research, and conclude by reflecting on ways forward for research, policy and practice internationally