The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine will investigate claims of racism against non-white doctors in tests crucial to their careers.

The move follows reports that just 6.8% of non-white doctors had passed an exam needed to become an emergency specialist in the second half of last year. They reportedly made up a quarter of the 204 applicants.

In comparison, 88% of white doctors passed, according to News Corp. A group of doctors complained to the college last week.

The college issued a statement on Tuesday announcing it was setting up an expert advisory group to investigate the claims.



College president Professor Anthony Lawler said he was taking the issue seriously, and noted that the complaint against the college was received at the “same time the media was notified”.

“The college is taking the confidentiality of this sensitive matter very seriously,” Lawler said. “We will investigate the claims thoroughly through a fair and robust process, respectful of all parties. However, for obvious reasons of confidentiality, we are unable to speak about individual cases.”

Lawler said the expert advisory group would seek to determine “the clear facts in this matter” and any appropriate response.

He said the group’s terms of reference would soon be finalised and communicated to trainees and fellows.

Further comment has been sought from the college.