Liverpool Medical School recently welcomed nearly 70 of its GP Tutors to a dynamic, full-day medical education conference held at the LACE Conference Centre near Sefton Park—the first of its kind since 2019.
While smaller in-person gatherings have taken place in the intervening years, this was the first return to a full-day face-to-face format since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The day opened with a compelling keynote address from Professor Taz Goddard-Fuller, Vice Dean of Learning and Scholarship, titled ‘Where are we with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Medical Education in 2025’, setting an inspiring tone for the sessions ahead.
Attendees engaged in a trio of interactive workshops that explored timely and practical themes in general practice education:
- How to extend the high-achieving student – Dr David Lewis
- How to support neurodiverse students on placement – Dr Kate Buchanan
- Student learning through remote consulting: lessons learned and plans for the future – Dr Matt James and Dr Duncan Rogers
One of the standout moments was having the General Medical Council (GMC) take part in the keynote session and later host a Q&A with a group of our GP educators. Their thoughtful feedback was a clear reminder of how valuable these events are in helping shape the future of medical education.
To close the day, Year 5 medical students Hanna Ryan and Lewis Trapasso shared their honest reflections on GP placements—what students most value, and what can be challenging from their perspective. Their first-hand insights provided tutors with real-time, student-led evaluation, helping guide how to make placements as engaging and supportive as possible.
Tutor evaluations were overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the high-quality content, opportunities to network, and the energising return to collaborative, in-person learning.
Heartfelt thanks go to Professor Taz Goddard-Fuller, all the workshop leads, and our wonderful student speakers Hanna Ryan and Lewis Trapasso for their insightful contributions. Huge appreciation also to Dan Moran and the wider CSU PS team for their invaluable support behind the scenes. Thanks do not go to the BBC Radio 1 Weekender, for the road closures affecting the venue on the day of the Conference—prompting some last-minute travel guidance for our delegates!
Plans are already underway for another impactful gathering in Spring 2026—we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.
Dr K J Harrison, GP Recruitment and Engagement Lead, GP Theme Lead