Dean's Update | January 2021
Snowdrops - white winter warriors championing a new spring.
Each year, I usually travel to snowdrop woodlands to experience the fairylands created by the low sun catching the drifts of bobbing heads. This year, the snowdrops in the nearby park are particularly precious. A confident declaration of the certainty of spring despite the winter storms.
And, as we continue to weather this COVID storm, shafts of sunlight are now breaking through the clouds and promising a bright time ahead: the vaccination being rolled out to our clinical students; the hundreds of students who have risen to the NHS call for help with work when they are not on placement, as vaccinators or in other roles; the clinicians still protecting teaching despite extra demands; the extra effort you are making to pursue research and fundraising; our societies finding innovative ways to have fun events; the moments when you make someone smile by saying thanks.
And I want to thank you. For your determined commitment to your studies - making the most of every opportunity, whether now online, or surfing the waves of changing placement timetables.
For showing your commitment to the profession by avoiding mixing with others and having regular testing. For your good humour and encouragement of colleagues.
Staff on placement sites and teachers in the School have shared how much they appreciate the light you bring to their lives at this time.
The COVID situation is certain to improve. When may not be clear to us yet, but the world continues to beckon spring and your commitment to patient care is paving a bright path ahead of you.
Professor Hazel Scott
Dean of the School of Medicine
Inspiring words from The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse author Charlie Mackesy