17.07.08
Second graduating cohort brings yet more doctors to South West

The second cohort of doctors to graduate from the Peninsula Medical School will do so on Friday 18th July at the Guildhall, Plymouth, with yet more doctors achieving distinctions and deciding to remain in the South West to practise medicine.

Last year, 88 doctors were the first to graduate from the Peninsula Medical School with 66 choosing to continue practising in hospitals across Devon and Cornwall and seven passing with distinction. This year, 144 student doctors will graduate with 13 passing with distinction.  106 will stay in the South West.

Of the 106 graduating doctors choosing to stay in Devon and Cornwall for the Foundation Year 1 stage of their studies, 33 will go to Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, 30 to Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, 21 to Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, 18 to South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust and four to Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. The remainder will practise in other hospitals around the UK.

The second cohort of medical students began their studies in 2003 and have followed and helped to refine a new curriculum that embraces groundbreaking approaches to the teaching of medicine.

Initial recruitment to Foundation Year 1, the first year after graduation, has been successful for the Peninsula Medical School's second cohort of doctors, with 88 per cent of them obtaining positions from their top 10 choice of hospitals.

In addition to the Peninsula Medical School graduates, who will receive a Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery, the Peninsula Postgraduate Health Institute will award a number of postgraduate degrees including five PhDs, 2 MPhils and 10 MScs across a wide range of topics including remote healthcare (delivered in conjunction with the British Antarctic Survey), diabetes genetics and pancreatitis, and addressing complex research questions that reflect the research interests of the Peninsula Medical School.

The Peninsula Medical School will also confer an honorary graduateship to Sir Iain Chalmers, who is an internationally renowned healthcare researcher. Sir Iain is one of the founders of the Cochrane Collaboration which carries out rigorous, systematic processes to review the clinical outcomes of randomised controlled research trials to inform evidence based clinical practice.   He is editor of the James Lind Library, which was created to help people understand fair tests of treatment in health care.

As well as educating the doctors of tomorrow, the Peninsula Medical School also contributes to national and international medical research at the highest level. Key thematic strengths include diabetes and vascular risk, childhood obesity, chronic neurodegenerative diseases, mental health and clinical education research.  A new area of research, covering the environment and human health, is being established initially at the Peninsula Medical School in Cornwall involving collaboration with University and NHS partners and many external collaborators.

Professor Sir John Tooke, Dean of the Peninsula Medical School, commented: "My congratulations go to our second cohort of students to graduate. They have built on the achievements of our inaugural cohort and will make excellent doctors."

He added: "We are also heartened by the number of 2008 graduates who have chosen to remain in the Westcountry for the Foundation Year 1 stage of their training. A key objective of the Peninsula Medical School is to contribute to the health of the region by producing home grown doctors of the highest quality – we are delighted that this objective has been achieved again this year."

He concluded: "My thanks go to my colleagues and our partners at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth and the local NHS."

This year's ceremony is being hosted by the University of Plymouth. Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Purcell said: "We are extremely proud of the doctors graduating from the university today.  Their commitment to patient care and the study of modern medicine will advance medical practice and healthcare in our region and beyond. The School's groundbreaking approaches to the teaching of medicine and its rapidly growing research profile have served to produce a fine cohort of doctors and I extend to each of them my very best wishes for the future."

Professor Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, added: "The success we celebrate today is the result of the hard work and commitment of our new graduates – and for that, I offer my heartfelt congratulations. It is also a testament to the success of the partnership between the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth and the NHS. This unique approach to establishing a medical school in the South West was both challenging and ambitious, but today we can enjoy the fruits of our labours as we see 144 new doctors graduate."

Dr Ian Tunbridge, Executive Director of Combined Universities in Cornwall, said: "Many of this new cohort of doctors have gained part of their education at the superb Knowledge Spa facility in Truro, which was created with Objective One support as part of the major expansion of university level education in Cornwall in recent years. We are now seeing the rewards of that investment as more than 100 talented new doctors choose to use their knowledge in the region to benefit of us all. I wish them every success." 

The Peninsula Medical School is a joint entity of the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth with support from the NHS in the Westcountry, and a partner in the Combined Universities in Cornwall.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) project, both Phase 1 and Phase 2 through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF).

Editor's notes:

Two books given to him as Christmas presents when he was eight years old set Thomas Owens, 43, on the path to becoming a doctor. Inspired by the story of Dr Archibald Mcindoe (who pioneered plastic surgery on Battle of Britain pilots) and a general encyclopaedia with a large section on medicine through the ages, Tom has wanted to be a doctor since he was a young boy. He studied electronic engineering in Bristol before applying for medical school in his 20's but went on to study pharmacy at the University of Brighton where he achieved a first-class degree. He worked as a hospital pharmacist in Leeds where he took his diploma in clinical pharmacy. Tom was born in Newton Abbot and spent his childhood in Devon, so when the opportunity arose to work in Exeter for a computerised medicines information company, First DataBank Europe, he leapt at the chance to move back to the South West. While with the company, he became head of the clinical department of the business, at which point the Peninsula Medical School opened its doors. Said Tom: "This was the opportunity to achieve a lifetime ambition, so I made the decision to leave a prestigious senior management position to study as a doctor." He added: "It has been a fantastic move and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. My background in pharmacy has been really useful but as a mature student, family support has been invaluable. I have most enjoyed the clinical skills side of the course, which is extremely well taught and provides a solid basis for working with patients." Tom will be continuing his medical career at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, where he will work on respiratory, vascular surgery and ophthalmology wards in his first year. He is one of 13 to have achieved a distinction.

Bethan Shewring, 28, born and raised in Plymouth and educated at Eggbuckland Community College, has wanted to be a doctor since she was five years old. Inspired by her father, who is a GP with practices in Lisson Grove and Woolwell, Bethan worked in her father's surgery since she was 16 years of age. She began a course in medical biochemistry in Cardiff, but left early on in the course and joined Derriford Hospital as a receptionist in A&E. She said: "Working in my father's surgery had fuelled by ambition to become a doctor, and my role on reception in A&E just made me more determined to achieve my goal." Bethan left Derriford to take a course in food science at the University of Reading. Her father let her know that the Peninsula Medical School was opening, so she decided to apply. She said: "I graduated from Reading in July and started at the Peninsula Medical School in September. The whole experience has been great with patient contact from day one and a well-structured programme. My father has become really enthusiastic about the School – lots of Peninsula Medical School students now have placements at his surgery." Bethan will continue her career at Derriford Hospital, and in her first year she will work on acute medical and colorectal surgery wards, and A&E.

Clare Tanner, 23 from Barnstaple, has always enjoyed science and was determined not to end up in a job here she would be "cooped up in an office all day". So when the Peninsula Medical School opened its doors it provided her with the ideal opportunity to apply her interest in science and he desire to work with people. She said: "The course has been really good and I have enjoyed it – especially in later years when we have been based more in hospitals." Clare, who has lived in Barnstaple for the last 15 years, will continue her career at Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro where she will work in general surgery, medical admissions, anaesthetics and neurology in her first year.

Lister Metcalfe, 28, is a Truro success story. Lister attended Truro College and, when his first application to a medical school was turned down, studied for a law degree at the University of Cardiff. He had always wanted to be a doctor "for as long as I can remember", and when he heard that the Peninsula Medical School was up and running he applied and was accepted. "It was a great opportunity," he said, "and it is great to have been able to study medicine near to home." As well as studying for medicine, Lister maintained a great Cornish tradition and established the Peninsula Medical School rugby team. He said: "In the first year we lost every match, but this year we made it through to the final of the Medical Schools Rugby Cup and were just beaten by medical students from Cardiff who pipped us to the post in a sudden death play-off!" Lister will continue his career at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital in care of the elderly, cardiology and urology. He said: "The course at the Peninsula Medical School has been fantastic, and it has really prepared us for what lies ahead."

What the Local NHS Has to Say

Dr Mike Durkin, Medical Director at the South West Strategic Health Authority, said: "This is a tremendous achievement for the many new doctors who have committed their post graduate years to the South West. It also speaks volumes for the quality of teaching that they have had in the hospitals and general practices of Devon and Cornwall that they now wish to work alongside those teachers and researchers who have helped them become our next generation of doctors."

Chief Executive of the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust Angela Pedder said: "The first year of graduates presented us with capable young doctors and we are looking forward to seeing doctors of a similar calibre coming through this year and in the future. The Peninsula Medical School under graduate training programme is clearly delivering what we need as health care service providers."

Chief executive of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, John Watkinson, said: "The fact that such a large proportion of graduates are choosing to continue their careers in Cornwall is strong endorsement of the quality of teaching offered by clinical experts in our hospitals.  It is particularly good news for our patients who will not only benefit from the high calibre of junior doctors coming out of the Peninsula Medical School but also from their familiarity with our hospitals and staff and the teamwork they have established during their first years of training."

Chief Executive of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust, Ann James, said: "The Peninsula Medical School is a vital part of the vision for improving healthcare in Cornwall by helping us to develop a new generation of clinicians and maintain the highest standards of care. I wish all of the graduates the very best of luck in their carers and hope many of them will choose to stay in this area and help improve health in our local community."

Lezli Boswell, Chief Executive at Cornwall Partnership Trust, said: "Congratulations to this year's Medical School Graduates - its pleasing that many of the students who have studied with the Peninsula Medical School are choosing to live and work in Cornwall and the South West. As a Trust we are keen to support students undertaking placements and hope to continue this for many years to come."

Dr Mike Roberts, director at North Devon District Hospital, said: "The Peninsula medical school has clearly enjoyed another very successful year with a very good number of their student doctors graduating with distinction. The high quality doctors they are training are making a real contribution to the health of people in the South West. At North Devon District Hospital we are pleased to be involved with the ongoing training of Peninsula Medical School students and graduates."

Dr Kevin Snee, chief executive of Devon Primary Care Trust, said: "I'd like to congratulate the students on what is bound to be a very memorable occasion for them. It seems like only yesterday when I too was in their position. The medical profession has given me a very rewarding career and I wish these new locally-grown doctors all the best in their chosen field."

Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of South West Ambulance Service Trust, said:
"On behalf of the ambulance service, I am extremely pleased to offer my sincere congratulations to the Peninsula Medical School on this impressive achievement."

Dr David Sinclair, who is one of the consultants at Torbay Hospital who is heavily involved in the Peninsula Medical School students' training, said: "Torbay Hospital is very pleased to offer hands-on experience to the next generation of doctors, not only in their final year when they spend a good deal of their time here, but also in special study units throughout their training.  We look forward to welcoming back as many as possible of the new graduates as junior doctors."

Peter Colclough, Chief Executive of Torbay Care Trust said: "I would like to extend my congratulations to all the medical students who have graduated from the Peninsula Medical School this year. I am delighted to hear that many are planning to stay here in the Westcountry, where they will be playing a key role in providing high quality health services to local people."

Steve Waite, Deputy Chief Executive of Plymouth Primary Care Trust said: "The standards of education at the Peninsula Medical School are very high and we are fortunate to have such a high quality facility in the Peninsula. I would like to congratulate the students on their graduation and I wish them well in their careers."

Chief Executive of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust Paul Roberts said: "This is a success story in every way. Doctors who are trained in the South West and then stay here to work are familiar with the different organisations and the particular needs of patients in this area. This is good for patient care, and offers continuity and stability for those junior doctors who wish to stay in the area they have trained in."

What Local MPs Have to Say

Gary Streeter, MP for South West Devon: "The Peninsula Medical School has now firmly established itself as a crucial part of the South West health service, turning out high quality medics that will serve the next generation with distinction. Well done to all involved!"

Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth Sutton: "Historically Devon and Cornwall have had less doctors per head of population, so it is really good to see that the Peninsula Medical School is producing doctors who want to stay and work in Devon and Cornwall.  My congratulations and very best wishes to all of the students graduating this summer, and to the staff and all those who have supported them."

Alison Seabeck, MP for Devonport: "I would like to offer my congratulations to all those students graduating this year.  The Peninsula Medical School is going from strength to strength and the increasing number of postgraduate degrees further indicates the depth of learning being offered.  Healthcare in the South West is the beneficiary of the Peninsula Medical School' success: long may it continue."

Matthew Taylor, MP for Truro: "Having been closely involved in setting up medical training in Truro it's great to see it being such a success for Cornwall once again this year. I know Cornwall has first class facilities to train these – clearly highly sought after – doctors, it is great news that many of them will be starting their careers right here in Cornwall. They are a great asset to Treliske, and the county."

Nick Harvey, MP for North Devon: "I am delighted that the Peninsula Medical School is holding its second doctors' graduation. What is especially pleasing is that there are even more graduates this year and that the South West continues to benefit from their expertise and training. Those recruited to join the staff of North Devon District Hospital will serve the local community in my constituency and this exemplifies the whole purpose of establishing the Peninsula Medical School. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the staff and students on their hard work."

Adrian Sanders, MP for Torbay: "Once again Torbay Hospital has played a role in the success of the Peninsula Medical School and I am delighted that my constituents benefit from the School's high standards.  Congratulations to all concerned."

Ben Bradshaw, MP for Exeter, said: "The Peninsula Medical School is achieving what it set out to do - which is to produce doctors of the highest quality, the majority of whom wish to remain in the South West and contribute to the health and care of the wider community. My congratulations go this year's qualifying cohort, and to all those who have helped them to get this far."

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
The Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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