School of Medicine Class of 2022 graduates in style

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On Monday 18th July the Class of 2022, rather uncomfortably, donned caps and gowns to graduate in soaring temperatures at a ceremony at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall as loved ones, educators and mentors looked on with immense pride.

Our graduates are already off completing a week of shadowing as part of their induction to the Foundation Programme, which they will officially begin as F1 doctors next week.

Last Monday however, they took a moment to celebrate their successes with family and friends, which were of course made all the more impressive by the often-challenging circumstances in which they were achieved due to the pandemic.

Dr Lauren Greasley and family outside the Philharmonic Hall

Dr Steven Toh reflected on these as well as his fondest memories from his time at the School in a speech that concluded the ceremony.

Steven says, “Graduating under such unprecedented circumstances is a testament to the graduates’ hard work, resilience, and triumph over the adversities they have faced. I hope that my speech has done it justice! Congratulations to the Class of 2022 once again!”

Dr Steven Toh is a passionate advocate for medical research and outgoing President of UoL Student Surgical Research Society. He begins the Specialised Foundation Programme at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSECH) this August.

In one particularly poignant moment, Steven shared the story of Grace, apatient who sadly passed away, and the moments that followed as the medical team broke the news to her husband and supported him through it.

“The realities of practising medicine can be unforgiving at times, and not all patients who enter the hospital will leave fully recovered."

Grace reminded me that, to quote Dr Edward Livingston Trudeau, our duty as clinicians is to cure sometimes, to relieve often, and to comfort always.

Dr George Richardson, Dr Daniel Duffy, Dr Robert Gittings and Dr Katie Taylor

Dr Conor Gillespie. Dr Nizar Wafaei and Dr John Atherton with Professor Paul May

Dr Shazlina Shahul served as Course Rep for Year 5 and will start as a Foundation Doctor at the Royal Liverpool University Teaching Hospital next week. During the graduation ceremony, she led her fellow graduates in the Declaration of Geneva, which is taken by members of the medical profession as they affirm their commitment to a lifetime of care.

Shazlina says, “It was more than an honour and proud moment for me to lead my fellow graduates in the Declaration."

I had mixed emotions of pride because of how far we have come, and sadness that these last 5 years with all these lovely people has concluded.

  • Catch up on the Class of 2022 ceremony on the University graduation website (link). Timestamps: Declaration of Geneva 1hr 20mins, Graduate Speech 1hr 25mins.

Many of our graduates (and proud parents!) shared their pride on reaching this wonderful milestone on social media. The Ali family had double the reason to celebrate, with brothers Bilal and Mohammed graduating together.

Dr Bilal Ali says: “I’ve had the best 5 years in Liverpool, and to graduate next to my brother is something only dreams are made of. It was truly special and I will remember this day forever.”

Following the ceremony, graduates and their guests headed over to a School reception at Abercromby Square. Dean of the School of Medicine, Professor Scott was joined by other senior staff members, lecturers and tutors to wish the Class of 2022 well.

Professor Scott and School staff celebrate with graduates

Dr Faye Bradshaw, Year 4 Clinical Year Director, was delighted to be a part of the academic procession. “I had a wonderful day (despite the heat!).

This cohort of students came into Year 4 at the time when placements were being reintroduced after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was so much uncertainty, but the students were great - professional and positive, and made the very most of their placement opportunities.

It was lovely to watch them graduate.”

Graduates and guests at a reception at Abercromby Square

Year Director Dr Rachel Wallis and Deputy Year Director Dr Andrew Sache shared their congratulations on Twitter on behalf of the Year 5 team, and the School mascot!

As did Paul Rothwell, part of the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) teaching team, who too enjoyed the experience – despite the wardrobe malfunction!

Some of the special shots from the day were captured in a photo book shared with graduates along with well wishes as they set off for their foundation roles.

Congratulations Class of 2022. Keep in touch!

Discover more

Hear more from our Class of 2022 in the two-part Student Spotlight on our School news page - Part I (link) and Part II (link) - and follow the series on the School's Instagram channel (link).