University named Medical School Of The Year

A North East university has secured recognition for excellence in medical training and student development.

The University of Sunderland’s School of Medicine has been named Medical School of the Year at the Educate North Awards.

The accolade was presented during a ceremony at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, celebrating achievement across further and higher education institutions throughout the North of England.

Opened in 2019, Sunderland’s medical school has already trained several cohorts of doctors now working in NHS trusts across the UK, including many across the North East.

The awards ceremony attracted around 700 education professionals and sector leaders from across the region.

Professor Laura Stroud, pro vice-chancellor of the faculty of health sciences and wellbeing at the University, said: “To be named Medical School of the Year is a fitting tribute to the hard work of staff, students and researchers across our medical school and the work they do to make medicine accessible to those with talent who before may not have had the opportunity.”

Professor Scott Wilkes, head of the School of Medicine at the University, added: “I am absolutely thrilled to have received this award on behalf of the excellent work of the staff and students in our wonderful medical school.

“The School has achieved so much in such a short space of time.

“I’m immensely proud of their many sector leading metrics, not least ranking number one of all 42 medical schools on the National Student Survey (NSS) for academic tutor support for two years running.”

The recognition marks another milestone for the University’s School of Medicine, which was established to help address growing demand for healthcare professionals while widening access to medical education.

Sir David Bell, vice-chancellor and chief executive at the University of Sunderland, added: “I am delighted. 

“This is fitting recognition of the outstanding work done by our students and staff since the medical school opened in 2019.

“The University’s School of Medicine has been true to its mission to open up opportunities to talented people, including those from the region, who might not otherwise have thought medicine was for them.

“In addition, the School has already had great success in supplying the NHS with new doctors, many of whom have remained in the north-east to care for the people who live and work here.

“Finally, I am so pleased for Professor Scott Wilkes, head of our School, who will be leaving the University soon to establish a new medical school at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. 

“This award is the perfect great parting gift for Scott as we wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.