Senior leadership from schools up and down the country met in Liverpool this July for the annual Medical Schools Senior Managers Conference, hosted this year by Liverpool School of Medicine.
The event was a chance for delegates to connect on topics of strategic importance at a time of rapid change in the medical higher education sector, covering areas such as Student Voice, EDI, and Student Attendance.
Professor Hazel Scott, Dean of Liverpool School of Medicine, warmly welcomed attendees with an engaging insight into the School, and special guests Dr Katie Petty-Saphon, Chief Executive for Medical Schools Council, and Mr Martin Hart, Assistant Director of Education for General Medical Council, provided important information and updates on the current climate.
The event was hosted by Ms Anna Jones, Head of Operations at the Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences (ILCAMS), and Dr Jenny Young, School Manager at the School of Medicine.
They were thrilled to have Professor Taz Goddard-Fuller, Vice Dean Learning and Scholarship at the School and EDIW Lead for ILCAMS, lead an invigorating session on embedding EDI across the Curriculum and Culture of a Medical School, as well as Dr Matthew James, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Supratheme Lead for Patient in the Community Setting, and Mrs Faye Unsworth, Learning Technologist, share findings from an innovative remote consulting pilot in primary care.
Aside from the glorious weather, attendees were also treated to a guided tour of the VGM, followed by dinner in its grand dining area.
Anna Jones said, “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of our Medical Schools conference. It was a pleasure to host an inspiring day of collaboration, innovation, and shared learning.”
Delegates were especially appreciative of the ideas generated in the workshop on student attendance, led by Vice Dean Student Experience Dr Iain Young. The networking opportunities were also really valuable with one attendee commenting,
“The chance to talk to others was hugely valuable - we have taken away a number of ideas for our school. The organisation of the conference was just fantastic, thank you Jenny, Anna and team! You made us feel so welcome.”
The Medical Schools Senior Managers Conference is held every year, with Liverpool now passing the baton for the 2026 event. A host is still to be confirmed but we’re already looking forward to it!