This September, we say a fond farewell to Professor Hazel Scott as she retires after eight impactful years as Dean of the Liverpool School of Medicine, leaving behind a stronger community and an enriched curriculum.
A graduate of the University of Glasgow, Professor Scott trained in Scotland and Liverpool before becoming a Consultant Physician in Respiratory Medicine. Her career in medical education saw her hold senior posts - including Associate Postgraduate Dean (Quality) for the Scotland Deanery and Deputy Head of the University of Glasgow Undergraduate Medical School - before she joined the University of Liverpool in 2017.
From day one of her time in Liverpool, Professor Scott led with vision and determination. Under her leadership, the School embarked on Project LIVE, a multi-million-pound investment that strengthened clinical teaching staff, enhanced facilities, and transformed the home of medicine on campus, Cedar House, into a vibrant hub of learning and community for our student doctors.
Professor Scott shows previous Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Janet Beer around a newly refurbished Cedar House
Professor Pete Clegg, outgoing Executive Dean of ILCAMS, praised her impact: “Under her leadership, our School of Medicine has made significant strides in teaching and student satisfaction—including the recent excellent improvements reflected in our NSS results. We are grateful for Hazel’s dedication and impact.”
A true champion for students, Professor Scott has been a strong force in ensuring their voices shaped both the curriculum and the wider School experience. Initiatives such as enhanced feedback channels, Training Team Leads, and regular drop-in sessions have meant students see real change, in real time, based on their input. Her commitment to student-centred education has resulted in consistent improvements in both satisfaction ratings and outcome rankings.
Professor Scott meets with students during welcome activities
A strong focus on simulation training, interprofessional learning with student nurses, and practical skill development now shapes our program, enabling students to train in environments that reflect real clinical challenges. Inspired by Professor Scott’s deep passion for preparing graduates to thrive in practice from their very first day, this approach allows students to build skills in scenarios that closely mirror real-life healthcare, within a safe and collaborative environment enriched by feedback and reflection.
Then came 2020, and when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we had only recently completed major reworks on the School building and were preparing for a range of exciting in-person events and activities to make the most of the new facilities as a community. With those plans suddenly no longer possible, we needed to pivot—and Professor Scott guided the School through this challenging chapter.
The scale of the task was immense: we had over 1,500 students to teach, most of whom usually learn in hospitals and on the front line of NHS services, while many of our teaching staff are of course themselves doctors and healthcare professionals—key workers at the centre of the crisis. We rose to the challenge and successfully delivered teaching safely, enabling students to continue progressing in their studies. Remarkably, under Professor Scott’s leadership, our final-year students were even able to support a stretched NHS: some worked as ‘Sub-FY1s’ – a specially created role covering many of the duties of Resident Doctors – while many others volunteered in the national vaccination effort.
Professor Scott attends a socially distanced clinical teaching session during the pandemic
Professor Scott put on ceremonies at NHS trusts across the North West to mark students' graduations during the pandemic
Her commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion has left a lasting mark. Partnering with the School of Healthcare, students and local charity the Anthony Walker Foundation, she spearheaded the introduction of the first iteration of Microaggressions Awareness training, which provided online workshops to 800 staff and students across Liverpool and led to the updated online version of the training still used on the course now.
Professor Louise Kenny, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences said,
“As the first female Dean of our Medical School since its foundation nearly 200 years ago, Professor Hazel Scott’s leadership has had a profound and enduring impact.
On her arrival, the School of Medicine was lacking direction and focus. Professor Scott’s vision was simple: she aspired for the School to be the best it possibly could be in all aspects of its academic mission, providing a stellar education and training environment for the student doctors it serves.
By any metric, she has not only succeeded but also excelled.
Her inspirational leadership has been recognised nationally. She was elected to the Executive of Medical Schools Council and has served the national community through a time of great challenge.
On a personal note, I will miss Hazel enormously. It has been a pleasure to serve alongside her. Hazel is a colleague with immense integrity, dedication and passion and I have been inspired and humbled by her in equal measure. She leaves behind a vibrant Medical School and very big shoes to fill.
Professor Scott and Professor Kenny attend the re-opening of Cedar House
Professor Scott wears her School hoodie with pride at a student fair
Beyond her formal duties, Professor Scott has been a familiar face at student events—from presenting at our Prize Evenings, to cheering on rugby tournaments, and even judging on the student Strictly Come Dancing. Her enthusiasm, encouragement, and humour have left a lasting impression on colleagues and students alike.
Professor Scott celebrates a fantastic season with the Medical School's Rugby Team
Professor Scott was a regular attendee (and judge!) at the LMSS-Artefacts charity Strictly event
Professor Scott attends the Guild Awards with leaders of medical student societies
As she hands over to her successor, Professor Andy McKeown from Keele University, the School reflects with gratitude on her transformative leadership. Her legacy is one of community, innovation, and student-centred education.
From all of us: thank you, Professor Scott, and best wishes for the next chapter.
Lang may yer lum reek!