Dean's Update | February 2023
Snowdrops. One of my favourite flowers, with their promise of spring sunshine and their persistent brightness, despite winter weather.
A lot has happened in the past year, and the past month. I hope that you have enjoyed engaging with the many ‘Feel Good February’ initiatives (link) aiming to lift our spirits, and perhaps even found something that you can take forward as a regular practice, despite the disturbing humanitarian crisis that has erupted in Turkey and Syria, and the anniversary of the war in Ukraine. It has been harrowing but inspiring to watch how the communities affected have been resolutely pulling together to cope with what they continue to face.
Closer to Liverpool, today sees ‘news’ on the rise in the cost of the ‘essentials’ food basket. I am really pleased that the University has recently agreed to our request to extend access to the Liverpool Bursary to all our students who were eligible for this before they moved to an NHS Bursary. I would also note the significant uplift in funds now available to many students through the University Hardship Fund (link) and I would encourage you to apply to this if you are struggling with routine bills and to check out the cost of living guidance (link).
Given the above, I feel really grateful for all the uplifting activity you have been leading in the School. I thoroughly enjoyed pretending to be Shirley Ballas at the LMSS Strictly Come Dancing (not a role I expected when I became Dean!) and all the vibrancy, talent, inclusivity and wiling each other to do well that was flowing in the room. Inclusivity, understanding and sharing has also been greatly enhanced by the BME Medics Society’s recent Culture Ball (link). A lovely idea and an amazing achievement to bring to fruition.
And despite the pressures around, you have encouraged us all by actively engaging with exciting research (link), including that which impacts on our everyday lives (link), and with your commitment to preparing to be a doctor (link) . In what will be a remarkably short time, we could be asking you to share, what it means to be a doctor and your tips (link).
It was a great pleasure to meet another alumna Ms Mansfield (link) previously. A trailblazer, but also such a lovely, kind human being who has made the most of each day. Indeed, with her white hair, she reminds me of the gracious and resolute snowdrops in bloom.
I hope that you will make the most of the rest of this academic year and celebrate everything that choosing to study medicine, having the opportunity to do so, and being part of our School in Liverpool means for you.