"No plans" for Island-based graduate medicine programme, says Manx Care

Healthcare provider says students must currently enrol with UK universities to pursue medical degrees

There are currently no plans for an in-house graduate entry medicine programme delivered on the Isle of Man, according to Manx Care.

The organisation was responding to a query about whether there could be scope for a locally based route into medicine, similar to existing training pathways for student nurses, paramedics and midwives.

The proposal suggested healthcare professionals or biomedical scientists could study for a four-year graduate entry medicine degree in partnership with a UK university while working within Island healthcare settings under supervision.

In a statement, Manx Care says anyone wishing to pursue a graduate medicine pathway would currently need to enrol with a recognised UK university offering the qualification.

However, it says it already supports clinical placements on the Island through partnerships with a number of universities, including the University of Manchester, Lancaster University and University of Chester.

Medical students from those institutions can undertake elements of their clinical training within Manx Care services.

The healthcare provider added there are currently no arrangements for a fully Island-based graduate entry medicine programme or employment model for "student doctors", but said it continues to work with education partners to support workforce development and training opportunities "where possible".