Going on strike? Student Debt? Safety on Electives? These are just a few of the issues discussed by the BMA Medical Students' Committee (MSC), which is made up of representatives elected from each UK medical school, as well as members nominated by other committees within the BMA. It meets three times a year to debate and act upon issues of concern to medical students throughout the UK. Two outside organisations are co-opted onto the committee, and this year, CMF were asked to fill one of these places. Although this is the first year in which CMF has taken a place on the committee, Christian involvement in the MSC is nothing new - two recent chairpersons were Christians.
I have had the chance to give a Christian viewpoint on a wide range of subjects. Although this is at times difficult, it is a good opportunity to show that Christianity affects ALL areas of our lives, and not just the obvious ones. Most members of the committee were very welcoming, although I experienced some hostility at the first meeting. After much prayer, there have been no further problems.
Our main chance to influence the debate on medical ethics is at the National Student Conference, being held at St Andrews University in March. We have submitted a number of motions to this conference (such as 'That this conference insists that artificial hydration and nutrition must not be withdrawn or withheld from those who are not terminally ill'), which we hope will stimulate discussion, and may even become BMA policy! I have also written an article for the conference guide, arguing the case against the BMA policy on withdrawal of artificial hydration and nutrition.
The Wider Picture
Apathy is as common within the medical profession as everywhere else, meaning that only a small number of members currently influence BMA policy. This means that a concerted effort from Christians will go a surprisingly long way when we speak with one voice.
I fervently believe that Christians must become more involved in medical politics. Although our position on the MSC may last only for one year, I hope and pray that through Christians standing for election as medical school representatives in their own right, there will always be a strong Christian presence on the MSC.
A recent example of Christian student action was a letter writing campaign organised by Cardiff CMF, in which many students wrote to their MPs, urging them to support a Private Members' Bill tightening the law on euthanasia. The bill was carried unanimously at its second reading.
Upholding the truth is one of the greatest challenges in medical politics. Words are often twisted and inferences drawn to turn upside-down the intended meaning of many statements. For example, in the debate on euthanasia, euphemisms such as 'right to die' and 'death with dignity' disguise the dramatic nature of what is really going. A stand in favour of total integrity not only improves the quality of debate, but is also a powerful witness to the integrity that Jesus himself showed.
What can you do?
You can PRAY! In April, next year's co-opted organisations for the MSC are chosen.
Pray that, if God sees a specifically Christian representative as the best way forward, we would be re-elected.
Pray for the Christians currently involved in student representation and medical politics - that their witness would be effective in an often dark and seemingly fruitless environment.
Pray against the apathy endemic even amongst Christians, and that God would raise up more Christians to become involved in all areas of politics.
Ask God if he is calling you to be more involved in this work. If so, you might....
- Pray even more! Demanding work such as this can only be done in God's strength.
- Seek election to representative committees within your own medical school or student union, even if they do not apparently deal with 'Christian' issues.
- Stand for the MSC next year - a form for nomination is included with each year's MSC annual report, sent to all student members of the BMA.
- Write to MPs when moral issues are debated in the commons (it is thought that many MPs take one letter received to represent the views of another 999 people who think the same, but didn't take the trouble to write!)
- Contribute to journals such as Student BMJ - which is always keen to receive more letters.
Working for God in a secular environment is always a difficult challenge. However, being on the MSC has been an unexpected route to spiritual growth. The difficulty of the job calls for increasing dependence upon God, which can only be a good thing. It is vital to take opportunities such as this when God gives them. It is time to get involved!
