I love autumn: a colourful celebration of summer success, as trees take stock and prepare for a new year to come.
In the School we have proudly waved ‘au revoir’ to our class of 2025, excitedly welcomed the arrival of the newest members of the LivUniMed family, and celebrated the return of each of you - whose dedication and summer success has opened the door to a new year on your medical journey, including our intercalators and those returning from elective - we are very much looking forwards to hearing about your adventures. We wish all of you well as you begin this year to come and prepare to make the most of it, wherever it takes you.
Those of you in our bustling societies will have been planning for this year and indeed some have been climbing to new heights already! Likewise, the School team has been working hard on plans for this year, drawing on your ideas and suggestions, embracing new technology and reflecting the constant evolution of medicine.
It feels the perfect time of year for my own new beginning - with more time to rustle through the leaves with the dog. Like with all big changes, I feel the same mixture of nerves and excitement that I expect you do.
On one of my recent road trips, I listened to English and British & Irish Lions rugby captain, Maro Itoje, talking about big change and his future career after Rugby. He talked about the importance of looking forwards hopefully. And that I can certainly do – your dedication to your training, your energy and pursuit of excellence gives me great hope for our future medical profession, and handing over to such an excellent new Dean - Prof Andy McKeown – gives me just as much hope for the vibrant, innovative and career creating future of the School of Medicine. I wish you all a fabulous journey.