The New Zealand Medical Association has thrown its weight behind the University of Otago's decision to provide extra mentoring and support to its third-year medical students, after some students in the year group were believed to have cheated in a practical exam.
A statement from the NZMA said the organisation, which represents the country's doctors, was ''very disappointed to learn that this may have happened''.
Students expressed concerns earlier this week they would have to resit their Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), but the university has said it does not consider that necessary. It is understood the results have now been released to students.
The medical school would add measures, via additional monitoring and provision of support, to ensure all students in the class developed the necessary clinical skills.
Otago Medical School dean Prof Barry Taylor said if specific cases of misconduct were proven, there would be ''serious consequences for those involved''.
