Hull York Medical School celebrates 10th anniversary of its first graduating class

11 July 2018
Hull York Medical School graduation

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the School’s first graduating class and brings the total number of doctors since the school was founded to more than 1400.

More than 120 medical students from Hull York Medical School are set to graduate at a special ceremony in York on Thursday 12 July 2018. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the School’s first graduating class and brings the total number of doctors since the school was founded to more than 1400.

Professor Una Macleod, Dean of Hull York Medical School, which is a joint partnership between the Universities of Hull and York, said:

‘Since the School was established in 2003 we have been committed to making a difference to the health of patients across our region – ensuring our students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver brilliant care. Since then we have trained over 1400 doctors and 2018 represents our 10th graduating cohort of medical students. Many of our graduates are already working as GPs, psychiatrists and consultants throughout the region and they will soon be joined by our latest cohort as they embark upon their Foundation Year training’.

From the beginning, the School has been committed to delivering programmes that are forward thinking, contemporary and relevant to future healthcare needs – ensuring its graduates are able to thrive in their chosen careers and specialties. Through a unique partnership with the Universities of Hull and York, regional NHS trusts and community healthcare providers, the School has developed an innovative medicine programme – centred on problem based learning delivered by senior clinicians, clinical and communication skills, and early and sustained clinical exposure across a range of primary and secondary care settings.

Although a young school, its impact is already being felt, with many of its graduates working as GPs, psychiatrists and consultants across the region. As part of the Government’s expansion of undergraduate medical education, the School have recently been awarded a further 90 places from 2019, which will enable to train more doctors who are equipped to respond to challenges within the healthcare sector as well as impact local workforce needs.

Dr Abbie Brookes, who graduated in 2008 and is now working as a local GP, looks back on her time at the Medical School with fond memories:

‘I started Hull York Medical School with my fellow pioneering students in September 2003 and I had no idea what an adventure I was about to embark on. I really valued the early patient contact and small group work and my confidence grew over the first phase of teaching. I have friends and colleagues for life, many working close by, thanks to the Medical School. I am currently working as a GP locally in York and am looking forward to teaching the next generation of medical students and postgraduates. I’m completing the PGCHPE with Hull York Medical School at present and it’s so nice to see some familiar faces on campus!’

The School also has a suite of postgraduate programmes delivered by world-leading expert clinicians and researchers providing a stimulating and supportive environment in which to learn. And as well as inspiring clinical researchers looking to progress these programmes are also contributing to local workforce needs – with the School’s first cohort of Physician Associates due to graduate next year.

The School’s impact goes beyond teaching and learning, with its researchers at Hull and York impacting national and international health agendas in areas such as cancer research, palliative medicine, mental health and global public health.

Professor Una Macleod goes on to say:

‘We know that healthcare is changing rapidly but our vision remains clear. We will continue to work with our local NHS and community healthcare providers to ensure that our students through their clinical practice, education and research, continue to make a difference to the health of our communities.’

For more information about Graduation 2018 visit www.hyms.ac.uk/graduation