Have the lighter mornings brought a spring to your step? It’s great to feel the sense of momentum at this time of year and to look forward to exciting upcoming events. Many of you will be part of society-led conferences this month and these are fantastic examples of your love for learning and will no doubt serve you well in your aspirations for the future.
Speaking of love, perhaps also, irrespective of whether we sent any Valentine’s cards, February is a time when we can revitalise the love we show, through care to patients, our colleagues, and our planet.
As the healthcare sector grapples with environmental challenges, our School is taking proactive steps through the Sustainable Healthcare module. Healthcare is one of the biggest ‘business’ sectors. A commitment to sustainable healthcare is, at its core, an expression of care - optimising the health of future generations and the planet we share, by avoiding unthinking approaches to care delivery.
These values are also exemplified by past winners of the Spirit of Liverpool Prize, and I encourage you to nominate those you see upholding those day in day out for this year’s award. Our commitment to preparing graduates to care confidently is reflected by alumni like Dr Sachin Patel who illustrates how early clinical exposure and mentorship can support early careers.
Likewise, our Elective Photo Competition connects us to the global healthcare of which we are all part and Taia’s account of her time in Tanzania reminds us why sustainable care is so important.
Indeed, as we think of the world around us, and all the many ways it needs care just now, I celebrate that your dedication and passion is going to make a meaningful difference.
From students like Aria and the Medi-Sign team, to those like John and Jorja, who are putting scholarships to good use in their MRes programmes, it seems to me that each student journey is driven by a commitment to improving lives and a passion for medicine as a force for good.
And just as our LMSS, who will soon be celebrating their 150th anniversary with their alumni, are continuing to find new ways to play a key role in the School’s future so, through our efforts every day, we can all ensure sustained excellence in care, for what lies ahead.