Most Widening Participation (WP) research is focused on medical school recruitment; there is a paucity of research examining whether the experience of medical school itself is an equal experience for both 'traditional' and WP students. This qualitative systematic review used the Joanna Briggs Institute meta-aggregative approach to characterise the experience of undergraduate medical education in the UK from the perspective of WP students. Seven databases were searched, 27 studies were critically appraised, and 208 findings were grouped into 12 categories and 4 synthesised findings. The majority of the research found relates to ethnic minority groups, with reports of other WP groups being less frequent.Whilst WP programmes attempt to alleviate disadvantages prior to entering university, our findings suggest that difficulties follow WP students into medical school. Unfamiliarity with higher education and lack of representation of WP staff in faculty can deter help-seeking behaviour and result in lack of trust. Furthermore, students from different backgrounds can find their identity conflicted upon entering medical school.Despite difficulties in establishing social networks with 'traditional' medical student peers, WP students form strong relationships with students from similar backgrounds. Ultimately, these students find that the uniqueness of their experience is a useful tool for communicating with diverse patients which they come across and are able to overcome adversity with the help of a supportive institution.

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View related articles Friday, 3181 10,lSSO. ~.UOB.GESEIZAL PEIILIP SJLITII, C.B. (Commanding Eome District), Ncmbcr of Council, in the Chair. BATTLE TR AINISG OF REGIMENTAL OFFICERS. I3;y Coloncl A. 13. TULLOCH, C.D. Coloncl TFLLOCII : Dcforc cornmcncing to rend this papcr I wish to 6tatC that when I wrotc out tlic first linlf of it last Octobcr, on thc tcrmination of my command, 1 had no idca of rexling a papcr on thc eubjcct. I simp1 coii-idcrcd it my duty on finishing m r command to mdic certain notes of what f conkdcrcd wcrc dcfccts with rcfurcncc to our prcscnt modern mcthod of troop tlrining, snd to submit thcru. r i high authority rcry kindly sugjicstcd that thc subjcct waa onc which should bc discussed in this Institution. Knturally I was proud that such-n suggestion should bc mndc, and tho Council rcry kindly STO me 8 day for it. Tho title of the papcr is possibly rathcr Ecnsational. Afl I can my is, that it is difficult for mc to sclcct another. IBfilitnry tnininp does not esactly ciprcss Rhat I mean: military training consiats of a rariety of csercieee, beginning at squad drill, company drill, battalion dril1,muaLctry drill, niid 50 forth, but bnttlo training, as I intcnd it, nicans tho tactical iustructiou b j tlic Coloncl with tlm nsscnibled batt&on-n thorough coursc of instruction practically carried out, and t o which niust bo ndded tho rcrbnl instruction of thc OHiccra nssemblcd in one body by tlic Commanding OtliCcr of tlic battalion. It ie quitc poasiblo thnt somc Oliiccrs will not agrco with mc. All I csn say ie, I karo thought tlic siibjcct out wry carefully, nnd when nbroad I liavc compared our syatem with that of tho Frcncli and German Armies. I may mcntion I harc ncrcr hnd thc slightcel difficulty with Frcncli or Qcrmnn OfIiccr~ \\lien looking on at their m a n r n u~r~'~ ; thc Officers of botlitliciccoiintrierliaro bccn only too ready to girc mcnnyinformntion Iwanted,thcy used crcii to lct nic know when nny important manmurre waa going to take place in order that I mi-lit be tlmc in time. Of coursc thc papcr itself is almost too pro-fc~3ionn1, couri&g mninly ns it docs of purely rcgimcntal matters, but, ncrcrthcless, I do Iiopc that my idcns may bc improved upon by others. and crpccidly by thosc Officcrs who arc looking forward to thnt most rceponiible, but proudrsL position a soldier can hold, tlic coniunnd of a British reghcnt. TBERE can be but few Coloncls wlio, during tlicir four years' tenure of command, hnvc not irishcd to submit snggcstions of various descriptions iu councctiou with tlicir duties. Occasionally thcsc ideas are placcd on record ; but, as n rulc, n very propcr, diflident fccliug thnt tho nuthoritics know all :ibont what is ncccssnry, arid ham ycry good reasons for crcrjthing dono OP undone, prcvcnts a, Commanding Officer from bringing forward his views.

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Background Surgical specialties in the medical literature are described as having low workforce diversity. Classically underrepresented groups among surgeons include women, trainees from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds and those possessing visible or hidden disabilities. As advocates for underserved communities, increasing the representation of these groups is vital to ensure that their values and perspectives influence the progression and practice of surgery. A mentorship programme was created to address this need and help break down the reported barriers which often deter medical students from pursuing surgical careers. Method A 6-month mentorship programme for students from underrepresented groups in surgery was designed and co-developed by four medical students and three university faculty members: a consultant HPB surgeon, a professor of medical education and an educational enhancement manager. Results 30 medical students received one-to-one mentorship from consultant surgeons. All participants (mentors and mentees) were from underrepresented groups in surgery. Students were provided with exposure to the life of a surgeon, personal development, and careers advice by their mentors. Opportunities for professional development in academic, educational and management roles were also offered to go beyond the scope of the standard clinical responsibilities of surgeons. This descriptive case study offers an approach to implementing this within a large medical school. Conclusions The First Cut project is currently in its pilot phase. Feedback will be collected and analysed at the end of the programme for evaluation and improvement. These results will demonstrate the value of mentorship programmes to students from underrepresented groups.