Mazen: An EQ+ Celebration Series Highly Commended Story

Posted on: 22 July 2026 by Olga Chatzidaki in Student experiences

As a Year 1 MBChB Course Representative, Mazen has made student voice a real part of the conversation. He gathers feedback through forums and everyday chats, takes key themes to senior staff and makes sure students hear what happens next. He has also created a structured way to share topics students find difficult after assessments, helping inform review lectures and academic support.

What made you want to be a Course Representative?

I wanted students to feel that raising a concern or sharing an idea was worthwhile. I have tried to be friendly and approachable, because people are more likely to speak up when they feel comfortable. For me, the role is not just about taking feedback into a meeting. It is about listening properly, spotting the themes that are affecting the cohort and making sure people know their views are being represented.

What does making a difference actually look like in your role?

A big part of it is closing the feedback loop. I gather feedback through forums and informal conversations, then take the main issues to Staff-Student Liaison Committee meetings with senior staff. Afterwards, I communicate the outcomes back to students, so they can see what has been discussed and what is changing. I also collect feedback after end-of-block assessments and share the topics students found most challenging with module leaders, which can help shape review lectures and targeted support.

How does this connect to the doctor you want to become?

My long-term goal is to become a doctor who provides high-quality, patient-centred care and also contributes to improving healthcare systems. Being a Course Representative has helped me develop communication, leadership and advocacy skills, but most importantly it has taught me how important it is to listen and respond. Those are values I want to carry into clinical practice, alongside the research and problem-solving skills I have been developing through my employability project.