Recognise your peers with a prize or commendation
Liverpool School of Medicine is immensely proud of its vibrant bunch of student doctors who, alongside studying medicine, somehow manage to pack so much into their weeks here at University.
Our student doctors give so much back to the student and local community through their extra-curricular, society and fundraising activities. Whether its assisting fellow students in their exam preparation with study sessions, providing insight into a particular specialty through conferences and events featuring some pretty impressive guest speakers, or running a whole host of sports, crafting and entertainment activities, all of which excellent chances to have some fun and meet new friends, our medical societies have got you covered!
And student impact doesn’t stop there. This year alone we have seen some really noble efforts in terms of fundraising with students coming together to raise thousands of pounds for local charities and causes that are close to their heart.
Dialling it back to the core curriculum, students also have plenty of opportunities to shine on the course itself. Both in their academic studies, through powerful case presentations and research projects, and out on clinical placement, our students seem to be excelling all over the North West!
Luckily, there are a number of ways you can recognise your peers for all of their hard work and dedication. Commendations are awarded each month to students who have excelled in a particular area. Nominations are quick and easy, simply complete the online form on our Commendations webpage (link).
Year Two Student Natalie Limaye
Student Doctor Natalie Limaye picked up a commendation this February (link) for exceptional peer support. Natalie says that since starting Year Two of the course, she has been striving to push herself to support her peers.
“I have taken advantage of the numerous medical societies that exist to participate in teaching activities with Liverpool Acute, Critical and Emergency Society (LACES) and PALMed.
Throughout first year, I greatly appreciated teaching sessions led by more senior student doctors and found that they were pivotal in my learning. I aspired to focus on teaching so that I could potentially benefit my fellow peers in the same way I was benefitted in first year.
I believe that my greatest achievement has been receiving very positive feedback for a PeerMed teaching session which had over 80 attendees, which really boosted my confidence.
I feel extremely grateful that I received a commendation and am very pleased to know that my teaching and society activities have benefitted fellow Student Doctors.”
Have someone in mind who seems to continuously be knocking the ball out of the park? How about nominating them for a Spirit of Liverpool School of Medicine Prize (link)? This School Prize is awarded annually to a student who has gone above and beyond expectations and is seen as a true advocate for the School.
Spirit Prize winners Shantanu Kundu and Anthonia Adefolaju
Student Doctors Shantanu Kundu and Anthonia Adefolaju were awarded a Spirit Prize (link) for the academic year 20-21.
Shantanu's award recognised his work breaking down stigma surrounding mental health through his Be Free Campaign, his self-started charitable organisation which has received the Diana Award for humanitarian service as well as a Point of Light Award from the Prime Minister.
Since then, the charity has continued to go from strength to strength, recently running the Community Impact Awards (link) in celebration of inspiring groups, charities and individuals who are making such a difference in the Liverpool City Region.
Shantanu says, "The Spirit of Liverpool Prize was a heartfelt one for me.
It is never about winning awards or recognition but what it does provide is the knowledge that the change you are making is the right one and that it is worth the time.
In light of this, I donated my prize money to continue supporting the community work we do at the Be Free Campaign."
Anthonia, co-founder of the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Medics society, received her award in celebration of the pivotal role she played in the development of a microaggressions training programme to bring about a more inclusive environment at the University and in trusts across the NHS.
Anthonia says, ‘I’m so grateful to my friends for nominating me for the Spirit Award, and to the School for making this award available! It’s definitely been a highlight of my university experience, and such a good motivation to carry on trying to advocate both inside and outside of the School!’
Professor Scott awards Rosie her prize
Dr Rosie Toms was awarded a Spirit Prize (link) for her work leading Liverpool's Wilderness Medicine Society during the 21-22 academic year. Rosie, now an FY1 doctor, joined us back on campus in November to receive her award at the School Prize Evening.
Rosie says, "It was a huge surprise to receive the email informing me I had been awarded the Spirit of Liverpool Prize! It felt wonderful to be recognised for all the hard work that goes into organising society teaching and events.
The Spirit prize is even more special as it is a peer nominated prize.
I'm very grateful that Liverpool Wilderness Medicine Society had such a positive impact both on our local School community, and medical education nationwide last year!"
Discover more
- Peer nominations for a Spirit of Liverpool School of Medicine Prize are open until Monday 22nd May 2023. Learn more on the Spirit Prize webpage (link) and submit a nomination via Microsoft Form (link).
- You can nominate a fellow student for a commendation any time. Head to the Commendations webpage (link), where you can also nominate a member of staff for one too.