The Dean's Update | May 2024
This month has been an amazing ‘Gold Winning’ month for so many of our students, suitably echoing the University TEF Gold and the School’s excellent position in the top 100 QS Global rankings (one of only 2 in the North of England). From the highly competitive Football and Rugby wins, to carrying off the ‘Wild Trials’ trophy, several Guild awards, achieving arduous cycling, numerous presentations, a standing ovation and a trip to the Palace, all in all I do wonder if any other Schools can be getting a look in!
This month has also been a time for reflection. None of us can fail to be moved by the tragedies that continue globally, or to think of the many in our worldwide medical family who are struggling to do their best, despite risk to their own lives, upholding everything that is best about the profession, as reflected in the Declaration of Geneva, that our future graduates will take in July.
It has also been a time to reflect on how, closer to home, those age-old principles on which our patients’ trust is built, appear to have been shockingly forgotten, with disastrous consequences. Every day we place trust in each other and indeed many of the above wins reflect trust working across those successful teams. We all recognise the need to avoid betraying the trust of the teams we are in. How much greater then is the responsibility of holding our patients’ trust, and how much must the profession now work to re-earn it.
As you look forwards to a new year ahead, whether in the medical school, on placement, intercalating, or in your first year of practice, I hope you will make the most of every opportunity to earn that trust, through the diligence of your ongoing studies and use of clinical experiences underpinning the skills your patients will depend on, and through the kindness and ‘Going for Gold’ approach you bring to each day.