Two thirds of ethnic minority doctors experience racism

Almost two out of three doctors from ethnic minorities in Scotland have either experienced or witnessed incidents of racism.

A BMA Scotland survey shows that non-white doctors are more likely to raise grievance complaints than white doctors – but are less likely to be satisfied with the outcome.

It also reveals a widening gap in success of getting jobs: in 2024, just 43 per cent of doctors from ethnic minorities were successful in first-time job applications, down from 48 per cent in 2001. Meanwhile, success rates for white doctors rose from 61 per cent to 67 per cent.

The survey – which received 715 responses – found that 41 per cent had directly experienced racism, while 23 per cent had witnessed it, which was a small increase on figures from 2021.

The BMA called for action to address a workplace culture in the Scottish NHS where ‘racism remains under-reported and under-challenged’.

‘This report shines a light on the harsh reality that many ethnic minority doctors in Scotland are still experiencing racism personally or witnessing incidents,’ said Sajid Farid (pictured, top), chair of BMA Scotland’s race equality forum.

‘It shows that racism is clearly still far too common and serious an issue in the medical profession. Little has changed in the four years since we last carried out the survey – indeed, the findings suggest it is an issue which is getting worse.’

Dr Farid warned there had been a lack of progress in tackling discrimination and that it remained prevalent in the NHS.

‘This report highlights the need for urgent and effective action, and we call on the Scottish Government and NHS boards to do much more to address the issue and do more to prioritise the wellbeing and professional growth of all ethnic minority doctors, which will also ensure high-quality patient care.’

He said the issues were complex and would require action on several fronts. ‘This includes working to increase the diversity of those who are recruited, for example by reviewing recruitment processes and removing potential barriers to entry.

‘There must be proactive steps taken to create a culture of inclusion in the NHS, which must start at the top with managers and leadership and include making sure that all employees receive training on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural awareness and diversity and inclusion.’

He also called for other strategies such as mentoring to help doctors from ethnic minorities to develop their careers, including into senior medical leadership roles.

And he said action was needed to investigate and respond to complaints about racist incidents and other workplace issues affecting people from ethnic minorities.

‘A zero-tolerance approach must be taken to discrimination and harassment, so that ethnic minority doctors, who are a vital part of the workforce in Scotland, feel valued and supported to have a long and fulfilling career in the NHS.’

The Scottish Government said there was no place for racism or any other form of discrimination in the NHS – or anywhere else – and that this was reflected in its approach to improving workplace cultures.

Health secretary Neil Gray said: ‘We want to ensure healthcare staff including doctors feel safe to report racist incidents, are fairly treated and have reassurance that they will be dealt with appropriately.

‘We expect all health boards to ensure any reported incidents are taken seriously and fully investigated.’