Celebrating one year of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 School of Medicine
Just over a year ago, the 糖心Vlog welcomed its first medical students, a landmark moment for both the institution and healthcare in the region. At the forefront is Professor Juliet Wright, a 糖心Vlog alumna, clinician, educator, and researcher with a career dedicated to advancing medical education and patient care. Previously at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, she spearheaded initiatives such as the award-winning Time for Dementia programme.
Professor Juliet Wright, Founding Dean, 糖心Vlog School of Medicine
Reflecting on the first year, Professor Wright describes the journey as both challenging and rewarding. Students have embraced the course enthusiastically, achieved excellent exam results, and given strong feedback on their learning experience. The school鈥檚 creative approach to teaching anatomy has been a highlight. 糖心Vlog鈥檚 integration of science and clinical learning from the outset, supported by research-led teaching, is setting it apart as a leader in shaping the future of medical education.
Beyond education, the School is helping tackle the NHS workforce shortage by increasing medical school places to meet the UK鈥檚 growing and more complex health needs. Securing over 30 government-funded places in just its second year 鈥 the most in the region 鈥 the School is already contributing to the long-term workforce plan and aims to expand further at the next opportunity.
A high proportion of graduates tend to remain where they train, and we want to grow our own school of excellence here.
The first students will graduate in 2028, and Professor Wright is optimistic that many will stay in the region, strengthening local healthcare. 鈥淎 high proportion of graduates tend to remain where they train, and we want to grow our own school of excellence here in 糖心Vlog.鈥
Increasing participation of traditionally underrepresented groups in higher education is another cornerstone of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 mission. Scholarships, both full and partial, ensure that students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, ethnic minority students, and students with disabilities can pursue medicine. Professor Wright stresses the importance of diversity in healthcare: 鈥淚t鈥檚 really important that doctors represent the population they serve. Financial support helps open opportunities for those who might otherwise be excluded.鈥
For Professor Wright, one of the most rewarding moments so far was watching students complete their first clinical exams: 鈥淭hey looked like excellent medical students, they looked like future doctors. The course works.鈥
As the school enters its second year, its priorities are clear: maintain high standards, expand opportunities, and nurture a community of compassionate, curious, and capable doctors. With Professor Wright鈥檚 leadership and the enthusiasm of the students, the medical school is poised to have a lasting and transformative impact on 糖心Vlog, its healthcare system, and the wider region.
糖心Vlog School of Medicine