Widening Access to Medical Education in Indonesia: Perspectives of Medical School Leaders

ABSTRACT Background Widening access to medical education seeks to provide equal opportunities for all people from various backgrounds, including underrepresented individuals, for becoming a physician. This study explores the perspectives of medical school leaders regarding the concept of widening access. Our research question was ‘What are the perspectives of medical school leaders regarding the concept and implementation of widening access for undergraduate medical programs?’. Methods We collected data through in‐depth online interviews with a total of 11 leaders of medical schools in Indonesia. We used maximum‐variation sampling at the school level (public/private, accreditation ratings and locations) and involved the leaders (dean/vice dean academic). We analysed data using inductive thematic analysis informed by Braun and Clarke's six‐step approach. Results We found six main themes: Shared conceptual understanding of widening access; National, regional and individual benefits of widening access in medical school; Stakeholders' roles in widening access; Strategies for widening access before selection; Challenges in widening access during selection; and Strategies for widening access after selection. The last three themes were also informed by the literature on widening access before, during and after selection. Conclusion This study adds that the main factors for underrepresented students in Indonesia, unlike in other countries, are their geographical origin and low socio‐economic status. While participants demonstrated shared understanding around widening access, more evidence on the effectiveness of possible strategies in medical schools is needed.