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Wonderful winter break wishes

Published on

an aerial shot of St George's Hall with Christmas markets
Photo credit: @dronecapturedmoments

As we wrap up the term, the School of Medicine wishes all of its students and staff a wonderful winter break. It has been an exciting start to the academic year, and a term filled with both academic and extra-curricular initiatives and achievements.

While the current situation regarding the pandemic, and particularly the Omicron variant, may have impacted your plans – there are a variety of services and facilities to support you, whether you are travelling for the holidays or remaining in Liverpool.

Support over the winter break

There are plenty of activities running on campus, including drop-in sessions at the Sydney Jones library on 29th, 30th and 31st December. Take a look at the Student News article (link) for a full break down of the services open on campus over the break.

For those of you who are travelling, this article (link) sets out the guidance to bear in mind, including COVID testing and keeping up to date with current government guidance.

Further information is available on the School of Medicine COVID-19 Advice and Guidance (link) and Campus Safety (link) web pages. Should you develop COVID-19, or are advised to self-isolate, and will be unable to attend teaching or placement w/c 4th January 2022, please inform the school by contacting risk.mbchb@liverpool.ac.uk.

Whatever you have planned, this time of year can be challenging. All students have access to free, confidential advice via the Health Assured helpline (link), available 24/7: 0800 028 3766. A complete overview of other external wellbeing resources and support services is available on the Student Intranet Wellbeing page (link).

Getting into the festive spirit

Despite these challenging times, the School has been finding ways to spread some festive joy, including staff donning their most festive attire on Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day.

Medical societies have also been doing their bit to spread the cheer with fundraising efforts such as Christmas bake offs and foodbank appeals.

 
 
 
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A post shared by Liverpool Oncology Society (@livoncsoc)

A couple of your Course Reps shared with us their festive plans, and their biggest wishes for the new year.

Year One Rep Student Doctor Swasti Shishodia has had a great first term on the MBChB programme. “I have really enjoyed the CCP simulated patient consultations, and have loved being a communication bridge between the year group and the Year 1 Leads.

This winter break, I am most looking forward to spending time with family and friends; watching Christmas movies; eating yule logs and taking walks in the crisp winter weather."

My family has a strange tradition of going bowling on Christmas Eve so I’m very much looking forward to that too!

"Next term, I am very excited about the ‘health in the community placement’, witnessing how the services work to improve the users, staff and community’s wellbeing will be a truly unique experience.”

Collage of two studentsCourse Reps Stephanie Girgis and Swasti Shishodia (L-R)

Year Two Rep Student Doctor Stephanie Girgis was excited to attend her first clinical placement this term. Being on the haematology ward at Whiston, performing and observing clinical exams, interacting with patients, and reflecting on this has made the entire concept of being a student doctor much more real."

It reminded me why I got into medicine in the first place.

"This winter break I’m most excited to cook Christmas Dinner with my family and visit Niagara Falls on Boxing Day. Looking to the new year, I definitely want to perform my first venipuncture on an actual patient.”

Whatever you have planned over the break, Liverpool School of Medicine wishes you a happy and safe festive period, and all the very best for the new year!