Student Doctor Conor Gillespie was ecstatic to be awarded first place in the 2021 National Neuroanatomy Competition (NUNC), going up against over 130 entrants from 30 different medical schools and making history for Liverpool School of Medicine.
Conor says, “The NUNC is really competitive and is widely regarded as the most prestigious neuroscience prize at national level. Universities run specific preparation courses for the competition, and getting a distinction, let alone winning a prize, is incredibly difficult.”
Conor celebrated the moment on Twitter.
Delighted and humbled to be the first ever winner of the National Neuroanatomy Competition (NUNC) representing @LivUniMedicine
— Conor Gillespie (@conor_sg) July 17, 2021
It took 3 attempts, 300+ hours of hard work and dedication, but it was worth it!
Thanks to the organisers for an amazing competition! #NUNC2021 pic.twitter.com/JutzMfrfgQ
“It was an immensely proud moment for me to win both the clinical and overall categories for the competition. Liverpool has never had a winner in the 9-year history of the competition, and I was thrilled and beyond belief when I found out the results."
This was my third time entering the competition, and to me it showcases the importance of being persistent, and not giving up if you want something badly enough.
Professor Nathan Jeffery, Director of the Human Anatomy Resource Centre at the University of Liverpool, was delighted to pass on his congratulations,
“Hats off to Conor Gillespie for the win against such strong competition with 138 entrants. I hope his success inspires others to enter and represent Liverpool at the 2022 competition. HARC is happy to offer some intensive training for entrants!”
Dr Rhys Davies, Consultant Neurologist and Neurology Lead for Liverpool School of Medicine, also extended his compliments,
“Quite apart from this brilliant achievement, what impresses me about Conor is the way that he has made studying, and the study of Neuroscience particularly, into a pleasure rather a worry. That’s a real inspiration!”
The NUNC Hall of Fame
Conor reflects, “Taking part in the competition is a great motivator to learn neuroanatomy, and I highly recommend the competition to anyone interested in neuroscience."
It’s a great way to show interest, build connections, and meet like-minded people.
“Massive congratulations to my colleague and friend George Richardson, another Liverpool Student Doctor, who was awarded distinction at the 2021 competition.”
Discover more
- Got a passion for Neuroscience to rival Conor’s? Why not join NeuroSoc?A Society centred around common interests in neurology and neurosurgery. Sign up via the Guild (link).
- Conor is currently Chair of the national Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group (NANSIG). Take a look at their website (link) for events and activities you can get involved in.
- Head to the NUNC website (link) for more information about the competition and follow them on Twitter (link) to stay up to date ahead of next year's event.