Celebrating our extraordinary 2020 and 2021 graduates
Tissues at the ready! Emotions were high as we welcomed our Class of 2020 and 2021 graduates back to campus for graduation ceremonies at the impressive Tung Auditorium in the University’s brand-new Yoko Ono Lennon Centre this February and March.
The graduation celebrations gave graduates the chance to reconnect after six or eighteen months of clinical practice. Four of whom were invited to address their fellow graduates and reflect on their university experience, including of course the impact the COVID pandemic has had on their studies and their foundation years.
The ceremonies were presided by Professor Tom Walley representing the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences alongside Dean of Liverpool School of Medicine Professor Hazel Scott as Presenting Officer. The academic procession was made up of School lecturers and leaders who were all bursting with pride, and emotion!
(L-R) Dr Viktoria Goddard, Dr Rachel Wallis, Professor Hazel Scott, Dr Faye Bradshaw, Ms Bee Collier were part of the academic processions
NHS and University Heroes
Professor Walley began proceedings by noting how the graduates had been students and were now health professionals at a time like no other in history, commending how they had shown the best of human spirit which the pandemic has brought about.
“You have modelled the highest values of your noble professions, showing care, compassion, respect and expertise. You are the people who stepped up to help the NHS during the worst of the pandemic.
Over the past 18 months, we have received multiple messages from our NHS partners and from Health Education England, expressing their thanks and gratitude for all of your work, and praise for the quality of those endeavours which contributed so much to the pandemic response."
You have truly been NHS, and maybe even University of Liverpool, heroes.
In looking forward to the professional careers ahead, Professor Walley pondered on the advancements that the graduates would witness and indeed influence themselves, reflecting how, when he qualified as a medic over forty years ago, life expectancy of a woman diagnosed with breast cancer was 41 months, around 35% five year survival, now it is 76% at ten years.
Professor Tom Walley adresses the graduates and their guests
Alongside the many changes that will occur, there are some things that remain constant. One of which, Professor Walley urged, is the need for compassion.
“You will see the most difficult moments in peoples’ lives. Give your patient hope. Give your patient confidence in you, even though at times you don’t feel confidence in yourself. Ease the worst thing that afflicts your patient, which is fear. So smile, and maybe when COVID is past, hug, shake hands offer a shoulder to cry on. Grab hold of each of the thousand little moments, acts and gestures, that can change the lives of your patients.”
The marks of a Liverpool doctor
Professor Scott echoed these sentiments, sharing how astounded the School had been at the students’ dedication and commitment throughout the pandemic.
The burning desire to play your part, to lend a hand. To show in your every day that medicine is much more than a job or a chosen career path, it is a calling, a vocation, or as the Declaration of Geneva puts it – ‘a dedication of our lives to the service of humanity’.
To the Class of 2020, she extended praise for them having stepping into specially created ‘Sub FY1’ roles to bolster the NHS line, and for having taken up opportunities as healthcare assistants and volunteers, to help care for patients in our communities.
Professor Hazel Scott congratulates the graduates
Professor Scott thanked the Class of 2021 for having kept spirits high at the School, inventing creative ways to interact as a student community through online conferences, revision sessions, yoga classes and variety performances. “What you lot don’t know about Zoom isn’t worth knowing!”
“As we moved into 2021, you were the glimmer of hope that the region was waiting for, as you powered the vaccination effort in your hundreds, helping to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. People who hadn’t left the house in months, who were hungry not only for the protection and peace of mind the jabs provided, but for a chat, a kind word and a smile – which you readily provided.”
Professor Scott ended her speech with words of encouragement from the School, and partner Trusts across the region, who “have seen with our own eyes what you are capable of, and we are proud to look to you as our esteemed colleagues as we move forwards together – to the big, bright futures that await you and the fascinating developments in medical care that you will shape.”
You are so much more than the title doctor conveys, you are the bright, knowledgeable, resourceful, dedicated, team-playing, fun-loving combination that marks you as a Liverpool doctor.
Graduates are invited to doff their cap as they are presented
Class of 2020 reflections
Dr Jihee Youn addressed the audience at the first ceremony on Thursday 24th February. In her speech, she thanked everyone at the School of Medicine and clinical teams across the Trusts who “helped prepare us for what we were about to face in the best way possible – even if that was to stretch us in ways we could never have imagined.”
“Back in 2020, when I was putting together a few words for our graduation, I actually prepared this sentence - “My dear terrified graduates, you are about to enter the most uncertain however most thrilling period of your lives.” Looking back, I couldn’t have predicted it any better!”
A heartfelt moment as graduates stand and applaud their loved ones
Jihee reflected on how proud she was of her graduating class, how they had navigated the first nervous days as junior doctors and, most of all, their role on the frontline of the pandemic as student doctors, before a vaccine was developed.
Being on the frontline helping patients and wider communities has brought great satisfaction and has made us the people we are today. We were thrown in at the deep end but are all the better for it. I am certainly a more resilient, empathetic and confident doctor.
Jihee closed with a quote from the late actor Chadwick Boseman, “Whatever you choose for a career path, remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.”
- Watch the 24th February 11 am ceremony (link). Jihee speaks at 1 hour, 22 minutes
- Read Jihee Youn's Graduate Speech (PDF)
Dr Percy Wace took to the stage at the afternoon ceremony and also took the opportunity to offer thanks to all of the staff, tutors and mentors who have played important roles in medical education.
“They, and the course itself, prepared us for what we were about to face not just in terms of medical knowledge, but in communication and working as part of the NHS.”
Gradutes pose for photos at University Square
Percy journeyed back to his first moments in University halls, “I sat in my new room alone and panicked: ‘what if I don’t belong here?’ ‘what if I don’t make any friends?’ I sat there feeling worried for a short while before there was a knock on the door. The friendly face from the room next door greeted me with ‘Hi mate, I’m Olly, fancy hanging out with a group of us in another block?’
Just like that, my fears melted away and university had started. Nearly 8 years on, funnily enough Olly still lives next door to me, and is still one of my best mates, although we have moved on from Roscoe and Gladstone halls."
Forget the Krebs cycle, the lifelong friends I have made are what defined university for me, and I think that is true for all of us. University has marked the transition into adulthood, and we have all been incredibly lucky to share the experience with people in this room.
He ended his speech to laughs, applause and a standing ovation with a quote from a surprising influential source – S Club 7!
The sky's the limit you can reach your goal. No-one knows just what the future holds. There ain't nothing you can't be, there's a whole world at your feet.
- Watch the 24th February 2 pm ceremony (link). Percy speaks at 57 minutes.
- Read Percy Wace's Graduate Speech (PDF)
🎓 What a day 🙌 It's been fantastic (and emotional!) to recognise the hard work of our Class of 2020 at today's graduation ceremonies. Roll on the ceremonies for the Class of 2021 next week #LivUniGrad pic.twitter.com/pK6xaq4RMq
— UoL School of Medicine (@LivUniMedicine) February 24, 2022
Class of 2021 reflections
Dr Natasha Varshney made the journey up from Kent, where she is now based at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, and spoke at the morning of Friday 4th March.
Natasha Varshney addresses her fellow graduates
She began by thanking staff, fellow graduates, loved ones and the ‘beautiful city that is Liverpool’.
We were lucky enough to be present at a time when Liverpool football club won the Champions League final. It was magical. The whole city was swept up in this immense emotion of pride and celebration which didn’t stop for days.
She spoke of how immensely proud she is to be a part of the Class of 2021, what she considers ‘an incredibly talented and intelligent group of individuals’.
“I have a limited amount of time so can only highlight a few of the amazing successes these young doctors achieved during their time here; from producing sensational musicals and shows year after year, to sporting glory, carrying out amazing charity work, to achieving academic brilliance in the form of national prizes, presentations, publications and even a patent."
The creativity, organisation and innovation displayed by my peers, marks them as individuals who are impossible to ignore and I am confident that the graduates sitting here in front of me will be ones to watch.
- Watch the 4th March 11 am ceremony (link). Natasha speaks at 57 minutes
- Read Natasha Varshney's Graduate Speech (PDF)
Dr Olivia Olujohungbe is now part of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, and was invited to speak at the afternoon ceremony.
Olivia noted how it would be impossible to reflect on the last six years with purely rose-tinted glasses.
Olivia Olujohungbe congratulates the Class of 2021
“The last two years alone have brought significant and unprecedented change to our lives. We have all faced great challenges, sacrifices and at times, loss, on our journeys to reach this point. I hope that today provides an opportunity for us all to celebrate what we have achieved and that in your worst hours, you are reminded of the adversity you have not just faced, but overcome, to stand here now as a proud alumnus of the University of Liverpool.”
She shared her immense gratitude, thanking staff at the School and across the trusts for their wisdom and guidance over the years.
The healing power of a strong cup of tea, a biscuit and an encouraging word from a tutor is not to be underestimated. Thank you.
Olivia finished her powerful and emotional speech with the quote, “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says: “I will try again tomorrow.”
Olivia Olujohungbe following her speech
- Watch the 4th March 2 pm ceremony (link). Olivia speaks at 53 minutes.
- Read Olivia Olujohungbe's Graduate Speech (PDF)
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It was a real delight to bring together these special groups of graduates. The School extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to all – keep in touch!
Graduates pose for pictures around campus
Graduation receptions were held at Liverpool Guild of Students
The School of Medicine official merchandise stall was open for business at the Guild
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Discover more
- Catch up on the graduation ceremonies over on the University’s graduation web area (link).
- Learn more about connecting with fellow graduates and other University of Liverpool Alumni activities on the Alumni website (link).
- Take a look at the different ways you can stay in touch with the School, whether it be through volunteering, research or teaching, over on the School website (link).