An editorial was published on cheating at medical school. The medical school concerned had allowed a cheating student to graduate. The article attracted over 100 responses, many of them in support of the decision. But an anonymous email response from two students claimed that an exam paper had been seen in the dean’s office prior to an examination and that some 60 per cent of the students had seen this by the time they came to sit the exam. The medical school concerned was unaware of this, and a much higher proportion of students than usual received distinctions. The two students asked if they should go public. What should the editors do?
_ Inform the medical school. _ The school needs to review its procedures. _ The two students should be told before this action is taken, and every measure should be taken to preserve their anonymity.
The medical school was informed and responded very positively. The two students were informed that this had been done and were encouraged to contact the medical school directly.