We’re so proud to celebrate our 24-25 School Prize winners - student doctors and graduates who’ve shown outstanding effort, peer support, and passion for medicine.
Each award shines a light on their achievements, whether that’s excelling in exams, producing research that makes an impact, or creating resources that help others learn. This year also marks an exciting highlight for our students, with several new awards introduced to recognise even more of the talent and dedication within our School community.
We’re delighted to introduce the exceptional student doctors and graduates who made their mark across the past academic year.
Assessment achievements
Our assessment prizes celebrate student doctors who’ve excelled across the MBChB’s applied knowledge and clinical assessments - from early foundations to final-year exams.
Naomi Badmus and Libby Partington
Naomi Badmus - Dr Richard Formby Prize for Knowledge Assessment
Awarded for outstanding performance in the Year 1 applied knowledge test.
“I’m really happy and grateful to receive this prize after a lovely but challenging year. Congratulations to all the other winners.”
Libby Partington - Sir Charles Scott Sherrington Prize for Knowledge Assessment
Awarded for outstanding performance in the Year 2 applied knowledge test.
It’s an honour to receive such a prestigious award! I loved learning the pathophysiology of disease and can’t wait to apply it in my clinical years. Thanks to my amazing friends, family and the university for their support.
Lucy Shire and Rachel Vincent
Lucy Shire - William Henry Duncan Prize for Knowledge Assessment
Awarded for outstanding performance in the Year 3 applied knowledge test.
I’m very grateful for this award and to the patients, clinicians and peers who supported me throughout my placements.
Rachel Vincent - Dr Mary Sheridan Prize for Clinical Assessment
Awarded for outstanding performance in the Year 3 applied knowledge test.
“Winning this award is such a rewarding and exciting moment for me. I feel incredibly proud of the effort and dedication I put in throughout the year, and I am genuinely thrilled that my hard work has been recognised in this way.”
Ruby Ampomah and Olivia Reid
Ruby Ampomah - Dr Thomas Cecil Gray Prize for Clinical Assessment and Sir Cyril Astley Clarke Prize for Knowledge Assessment
Honoured for excellence in both clinical and knowledge assessments.
I feel beyond grateful and happy to receive these awards. Being a medical student is a huge privilege - thank you to all the patients who’ve helped me learn.
Dr Olivia Reid - Reginald and Dora Goodrick Prize in Clinical Assessment
Awarded for excellence in the Year 5 clinical assessment.
“I’m thrilled and proud to have achieved this prize - it’s such a privilege to be recognised in this way.”
Rachel Curran and Calum Voller
Dr Rachel Curran - J Hill Abram Prize in Pharmacology and General Therapeutics
Awarded for excellence in the National Prescribing Safety Assessment.
“It was such a lovely surprise - thank you, and congratulations to all the winners!”
Dr Calum Voller - Reginald and Dora Goodrick Prize for Knowledge Assessment
Awarded for excellence in the national applied knowledge test. This marks Calum’s third consecutive School prize - an outstanding record of consistency and achievement.
What a wonderful way to conclude five years of medical school. I owe a huge thank you to my wife, Mary, whose constant support made it all possible.
Curriculum accomplishments
Our curriculum awards recognise excellence across research, presentations, and reflective practice within the MBChB programme.
Praveena Sekar and Grace Maguire
Praveena Sekar - Lord Henry Cohen Prize
Awarded for excellence in an RS3 poster presentation on open inguinal hernia repair.
"I’m thrilled and beyond grateful to receive this prize. Conducting a systematic review was both challenging and rewarding, helping me deepen my understanding of surgical research and strengthen my presentation skills. Huge thanks to my supervisor, Mr Vimalachandran, and the RS team for their incredible support."
Dr Grace Maguire - Reginald and Dora Goodrick Portfolio Prize
Awarded for excellence in performance in a portfolio of work across Year 5.
I thoroughly enjoyed my final year and found my portfolio invaluable for reflecting on clinical experiences and feedback. It helped me understand the kind of clinician I aspire to be - and reflection continues to guide my growth as a new doctor.
Milly Buckingham
Milly Buckingham - Caroline Elliott Prize for Electives
Awarded for excellence in performance in an Elective report.
I am very grateful to receive this award. My month in northern India was an unforgettable experience, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to live and work alongside the rural communities of the Himalayas.
Specialty Submissions
These awards recognise students whose work has explored key themes across public health, clinical care, and medical education.
Adit Ravishankar and Syed Ammar Naqvi
Adit Ravishankar - Geoffrey Rose Prize for Public Health
Awarded for a presentation exploring how public health informs clinical medicine.
“I’m honoured to receive this prize - it reinforced how vital prevention is in improving patient outcomes.”
Syed Ammar Naqvi - General Practice Prize
Awarded for a resource, for use in a Primary Care setting, that meets an identified need based on an experience in Primary Care.
I’m honoured to receive this prize. My aim was to help bridge the gap between South Asian patients and clinicians through a resource that raises awareness of key health risks like diabetes. I’m grateful for the opportunity to combine my interests in web development and AI to promote more personalised care.
Meera Shankar and Lucy Secker
Dr Meera Shankar - Patient Care Pathways Prize
Awarded for a poster presentation on improving the patient journey through healthcare.
“My project focused on gender-affirming care - an area combining patient-centred practice and plastic surgery. I’m truly honoured to receive this prize.”
Lucy Secker - Disability and Care in the Community Prize
Awarded for a clinical teaching resource exploring disability and community care.
I’m honoured to receive this prize on a topic I’m passionate about and hope to keep raising awareness.
Pakhi Goel - Physiology Tough Topics Made Easy Prize
Awarded for a physiology teaching resource for use on clinical placement.
Creating a resource on anaphylaxis reflected my passion for medical education and making complex topics clearer for others. I’m so grateful for this recognition.
Shivani Gaitri Puri - Shaun Jackson Prize for Clinical Anatomy
Awarded for a teaching resource on a clinical anatomy topic.
“Anatomy has always been challenging for me, but this project helped me connect it to real practice and make it easier for others too. I’m so grateful for this prize.”
Danielle Aje and Avni Patel
Dr Danielle Aje - Dorothy Stuart Russell Pathology Prize
Awarded for a pathology learning resource to support students on placement.
“I’m honoured to receive this award and thankful for the chance to share my passion for education in a clear and accessible way.”
Dr Avni Patel - Paediatric Otolaryngology Prize
Awarded for an essay on the management of the stridulous child.
I was so pleased and surprised to win! I’d encourage anyone to submit their work - you never know what might come of it.
Taia Rothwell and Olivia Heron
Dr Taia Rothwell - Excellence in Psychiatry Prize
Awarded for a research project demonstrating achievement and commitment to the field of psychiatry.
I’m really grateful to receive this prize for my literature review on QTc prolongation in antipsychotics. It’s such an important topic, and the project deepened my understanding of how to use antipsychotics safely and effectively.
Olivia Heron - Alder Hey Medical Student Prize for outstanding academic achievement
Awarded for a research project demonstrating academic interest and understanding of child health.
“It was a lovely surprise to receive this prize! Intercalating on the MRes (Clinical Sciences) course developed my passion for research, and I’m grateful to have continued exploring paediatric cardiology afterwards.”
Ayaat Jaway and Nikesh Someswaran
Ayaat Jaway - Sexual Health Education Prize
Awarded for an original sexual health education resource for patients.
I’m delighted and grateful to receive this prize. Researching HIV screening and PrEP was incredibly rewarding, and I appreciate the support from Dr Cavilla and my friends who encouraged me to take part.
Nikesh Someswaran - Gow-Gibbon Undergraduate Urology Prize
Awarded for an audit or quality improvement project with a focus on Urology.
“I’m honoured to receive this award. The supportive environment at the University, along with my colleagues and family, made this journey truly rewarding.”
Wai Lam Ruby Ip and Rebekah Yousef
Wai Lam Ruby Ip - Sustainable Health Impact Award
Awarded for a presentation on sustainability in healthcare.
“I’m truly honoured to receive this award for my project on Greener Endoscopies. It’s inspired me to keep advocating for a more sustainable future in healthcare.”
Rebekah Yousef - Walto n Charity Undergraduate Prize for Neuroscience
Awarded for a scholarly essay on the theme ‘What’s so special about the brain?’
This essay captured how I want to practise as a doctor - with empathy and curiosity. I loved exploring how mind and body are deeply connected in understanding patient suffering.
Spirit of Liverpool School of Medicine
Each year, this special recognition is given to someone who truly reflects the School’s values of compassion, commitment, and community.
This year’s Spirit of Liverpool School of Medicine Prize is awarded to Dr Meera Shankar, whose dedication and generosity have made a lasting impact on both peers and patients.
Receiving the Spirit of Liverpool Prize is especially meaningful, as it has been previously awarded to the School’s highly accomplished alumni who have made remarkable contributions, and I feel truly proud to be included among them. I’m so grateful to my mentors, colleagues, and friends who made my medical school journey so fulfilling - and it’s wonderful to be back. Congratulations to all the prize winners!
As you’ll see above, Meera also received the Patient Care Pathways Prize, recognising her compassion in practice and her commitment to improving patient experiences. Now a graduate, we look forward to seeing where her career takes her next.
Complete list of 2024–25 School Prize winners
Naomi Badmus • Libby Partington • Lucy Shire • Rachel Vincent • Ruby Ampomah • Dr Olivia Reid • Dr Rachel Curran • Dr Callum Voller • Praveena Sekar • Dr Grace Maguire • Milly Buckingham • Dr Meera Shankar • Adit Ravishankar • Syed Ammar Naqvi • Lucy Secker • Pakhi Goel • Shivani Gaitri Puri • Dr Danielle Aje • Dr Avni Patel • Dr Taia Rothwell • Olivia Heron • Ayaat Jaway • Nikesh Someswaran • Wai Lam Ruby Ip • Rebekah Yousef
Congratulations again to all this year’s prize winners for their outstanding achievements across the MBChB programme.
Their success will be recognised next month at the School Prize Evening, where Professor Andy McKeown, Dean of the School of Medicine, will present the awards. It will be a great opportunity for staff and students to come together and celebrate these well-deserved accomplishments. We hope to see you there!
Exciting news! The 25–26 School Prizes launch in the new year - visit the School Prizes intranet pages for more details and keep your eye on the bulletin for updates.