This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Figures show drop in medical students applying from Wales
According to the university applications body Ucas, the numbers of medical students applying from Wales has dropped significantly, with just 570 students from the country applying in 2015.
The news comes as data has shown a more general overall decline in the number of students applying to study medicine across the UK.
Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, which supports Welsh medium higher education, has claimed the figures show that more needs to be done to ensure pupils are encouraged to apply to study medicine.
The number of Welsh students filling out medical school applications has reduced by 110 potential students, from 670 in 2012.
Sara Whittam, who represents Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol at Cardiff University's medical school, said: "We know of the schools from which we get frequent applications. We also know the schools from which we have no applicants.
"It means there is a lot of work to do and a big responsibility on us to spread the message that every young person in Wales should have the educational opportunities for accessing medicine."
Whittam added: "There's been a lot of attention in the media about the problems facing the health service and the increasing workload on doctors. It's no surprise perhaps other careers become more appealing."
Some health experts have advised that the government set a quota for Welsh medical schools in Cardiff and Swansea, directing that a portion of places should be made available exclusively to Welsh students.
A spokesperson for the Welsh government said: “We are working with health boards to develop a strategy to ensure NHS Wales has the medical workforce it needs now and in the future.
"We are also working with the Wales Deanery, medical schools and other partners to promote Wales as a place to work, study and train.
"We are also working with both medical schools in Wales on their broader widening access work and in particular how they can increase the number of students from Wales studying in Welsh medical schools."
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