Auckland University's medical school is carefully reviewing its practices after a man pretended to be a medical student for two years.
The student failed to gain entry into the medical school in 2010 but has since attended classes and taken part in a number of school activities, including the study of human cadavers.
He was detected when a group assignment with his name on it was submitted which didn't match any name on the class list.
Professor John Fraser says the school has no evidence the students interacted with any patients, but they were still concerned he was able to pretend he was a student for two years.
"Obviously there are areas, particularly in the medical programme, where we do need to tighten up our procedures on entry and access," he told a media conference.
"This student went to some considerable length to hide the fact that he wasn't eligible, and although we are very, very concerned that he was able to get away with that, I would like to tell the public that our university operates on the highest possible standards."
Associate Professor Warwick Begg said the school's hospital partners had all been in touch trying to see if the fake student had any contact with patients.
"As far as we know we have not been able to find any evidence to date that he did interact with a patient."
Prof Fraser said the fake student's family weren't aware of his scam.
He said the fake student was in some distress, and they were concerned for his wellbeing.
When confronted he admitted he wasn't a medical student, but denied having a fake student badge, Prof Begg said.
The other students were told at a meeting on Monday and were very hurt and upset, and to some degree angry, he said.
The school is assembling evidence to take to police to see if any charges should be laid.
NZN
