This month, I have enjoyed a few days off, stomping through the bright crisp autumn leaves with my dog. As the vibrant colours of autumn blow surround us, I’d like to take a moment to wish a joyous Diwali to all who are celebrating!
This season of light is a reminder of the brightness that also shines within our school community, and there’s no shortage of achievements to celebrate this month! I’m especially thrilled to congratulate Beth, Emelia and Joe, recipients of prestigious Wolfson Intercalated Awards. I’m really looking forward to hearing how they will use them to enhance their MRes studies and what lasting impact such studies will have on them and all students who have been intercalating.
One such student is Minnah Deef, who has been making waves with her passion for teaching and research. Through PAL-Med tutoring, leading the INSPIRE programme, and now her Faculty prize for her work during an MRes in Clinical Sciences, Minnah is a wonderful example of how dedication and enthusiasm can create significant opportunities. It will be good to see where your journey takes you next Minnah!
After officially saying goodbye to summer, I hope that after the extra hour in bed at the weekend means that you are now all feeling ready for the fun to come over the winter months.
I’m looking forward to the buzz of our Medical Careers Fair on 6th November in Cedar House, and I’m hugely grateful to the many clinicians who are taking the time to come to meet you, and persuade you that their specialty is indeed for you! Whether you're unsure about your future direction or looking to solidify your plans, this is an event you won’t want to miss. So, don’t miss out -book your free ticket now!
I’m also looking forward to our first staff-student liaison committee and would like to say a special thank you to our Course Reps for stepping up this year! Colleagues and I are excited to work with each of you and we look forward to hearing your insights and ideas, and those of the Training Team Leads who work with you.
And it’s the time of year for two Big Reveals! The 24-25 Artefacts musical ‘Shrek’ is bound to be a favourite. I’m looking forward to booking my seat (and to hearing if the green body paint does come off in time for placement!) and I’m greatly looking forward to celebrating in November with our newly announced 2023-24 Prize Winners and their guests.
A huge round of applause to the 22 students who went above and beyond last academic year. From academic excellence to community impact, these students have set a high bar for the rest of us. Your achievements are a true reflection of what makes our School such an inspiring place to learn and grow. Well done to each of you! And our students are not the only ones with awards - congratulations go to our Neurosurgical lead, Mr Nick Carleton-Bland whose work on a Neuro VR simulator has earned a coveted 2024 NHS Parliamentary Award!
October has been a month filled with energy, success, and progress. As it closes with Halloween, and November opens with All Saints day, I will be taking a moment to reflect on the blessings and sacrifices of those who have supported me on my life journey, not least my father who died a year ago this month. All too often we rush ahead, like the dog and I through the leaves, to realise ambitions. I hope you will join me in noticing how special the moment we are in is, and in thanking those who have helped us feel that way.