Sound treatment 2

Your report featuring my views on the fitness-to-practise model outlined in the Academic Journal of Medicine contained some inaccuracies. While I agree with some initial points about "professionalism creep", I was not - as is implied by your report - referring to the findings of the conscientiousness-index research mentioned in the journal when I queried behavioural studies based on questionnaires. I was speaking theoretically about measuring professionalism in general.

As has been pointed out by comments on your website, the conscientiousness index is not based on a questionnaire format. I also did not speculate that students could be held back if this model were introduced.

I agree that deciding how students are judged in a professional sense at medical school is an important issue that needs to be debated, and Times Higher Education should be commended for bringing this issue to light. However, we must give proper consideration to all the issues raised to create the right educational environment for students.

Drew Kinmond, BMA medical student lead on welfare issues, British Medical Association.