The UK Foundation Programme Organisation (UKFPO) have announced the waiving of additional educational achievements (AEA) from the application scoring matrix from 2023. Meritocracy and increased attainment of AEA have been cited for this decision.

As current students of UK medical schools, we demand the immediate revision of this decision and consideration to be given to continue scoring AEA in the UKFP application process.

AEAs drive excellence in undergraduates. They allow for students to explore extracurricular research and understand a special interest at a much greater level than offered by undergraduate medical education. In essence, they drive the evidence-based culture that is demanded of the medical profession in the 21st century. 

We acknowledge the three years notice given by the UKFP, however do not feel this is sufficient notice for current medical students who have already committed to AEAs. At the very least, we ask that the UKFP postpone this decision until 2025.