Dr Liz Hare (Class of 1992) reflects on how her time at Liverpool set her up for the next 30 years of clinical practice as she makes arrangements for a very special reunion event this June involving graduates from 1991 and 1992.
The reunion will take place in the centre of Liverpool overlooking the River Mersey and will welcome graduates from the USA, Australia, Hong Kong and Dubai, as well as from all over the UK.
A flyer for the reunion by FourthWall Creative
“The event's title references Grey's Anatomy, the trusted textbook that we all pored over under the careful tutelage of Professor Wood,” Liz explains. “The impact of the pandemic meant that the 1991 cohort could not celebrate their 30 year anniversary, hence the joint event this year to bring people together.”
The event will help raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Claire House and Melanoma UK and activities will include a charity raffle, campus tour and bike ride through Liverpool.
Staying connected
Liz says, “I'm most looking forward to the culmination of organising this event resulting in a truly memorable night filled with laughter, live music and rekindling acquaintanceships.
Several of the guests have met challenges with their health and these friendship links made at University have provided a great source of support. The planning for this event has kept a core group in close communication which turned out to be beneficial through the pandemic.
I’m sure I’ll just be grinning on the night, hearing the buzz of conversation, the giggles and the surprise of seeing old friends again. It’s about strengthening the network forged from time spent together studying and graduating in Medicine from the University of Liverpool and working together in Merseyside House Officer jobs.”
Liz arranged the cohort’s 2019 reunion, which was a fun and well attended event, and an opportunity to celebrate the close bonds of a group of graduates who have remained closely linked over the years and have always been mindful of keeping in touch.
Liz attends the 2019 reunion she helped organise
Liz is proud of the many interesting trajectories taken by her classmates, several of whom have made a career in Law, Politics, Education and Pharmaceuticals.
“A large number have taken additional positions of responsibility such as Senior Management Roles, Clinical Lead, CCG and Medical Directorship. This cohort of graduates represent a cache of intelligence, determination and expertise and many are willing to offer support with finding work experience and mentorship for student candidates.”
Choosing Liverpool
Thinking back on her time at the School, Liz fondly remembers arriving at Liverpool Lime Street Station in 1986 and asking where the University was.
“I duly headed up the hill for my medical school interview where I recall discussing the emergence of HIV, genetics and my passion for horse riding. I was both amazed and delighted to be offered a place. Liverpool offered great opportunity and was both red-brick and based on incredible founders, but was also known for being dynamic and embracing the new."
I was also offered a place in London and chose Liverpool. To this day I am pleased with my decision, as Liverpool fostered early clinical exposure and excellence in communication skills - plus plenty of research opportunities.
Building a career
Having gained FRCSI (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland), Liz had a family, switched to General Practice training, and passed MRCGP (Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners).
“I now work mainly in remote consulting which goes hand in hand with AI development so that healthcare can be effectively delivered to many.
I have had elective placements in Trinidad, India and visited Kenya under the protection of the British Army to see Health outreach camps and learn about using resources, local knowledge and skills to improve the health of a community and develop lasting benefit.”
So many things have stuck with me from my time in Liverpool. The welcoming attitude of the city and its people and the willingness to help train student doctors and a wealth of clinical exposure and enthusiasm for teaching.
Liz believes that the mark of a Liverpool doctor is ‘absolute dedication, compassion, humour, gentleness, and the ability to be calm and rational even in chaotic environments.’
“It’s about having an ever-questioning mind and natural curiosity to learn and share knowledge. To always love working as part of a team, and to always treat people with dignity and respect."
Her advice to student doctors just starting out? "Take a deep breath and jump in - you can swim!"
Dr Liz Hare
BSc MBChB FRCSI DFFP MRCGP PgDip