Medical Education Scholarships
In August 2021, Ulster University proudly welcomed the inaugural class to its state-of-the-art School of Medicine. As the first cohort of medical students prepares to graduate this summer, we reflect on the transformative impact of our donors’ support in helping us achieve this milestone.
Thanks to our generous supporters, we have awarded scholarships to 37 students since the School of Medicine opened its doors. These scholarships remove financial barriers, enabling talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in medicine. By investing in these students, we are addressing medical workforce shortages and fostering a more equitable future in healthcare.
Giving back: Amy’s story
Amy Parke was a member of our first cohort of medical students and received a Medical Education Scholarship in the 2021-22 academic year.
Now in her final year and looking ahead to her dream career in healthcare, Amy found time to give back through fundraising efforts of her own, running a half-marathon in support of causes close to her heart.
“It is difficult to put into words the impact of receiving this scholarship. I wouldn't be studying medicine without it. Not having to stress about finances has allowed me to throw myself into the course and focus solely on my studies. I would never have predicted 5 years ago that I'd now be heading into final year of Medicine, working towards my dream career.
Being on placement full-time and getting a taster of all the specialties has had a great impact on me, none more so than palliative care. I got to see firsthand how compassionate and amazing the palliative care doctors are at their jobs, and I was left with the feeling that this would be a really
rewarding specialty to work in.I was so inspired by the care that they provided that I ran my first ever half-marathon and raised £2,000 for the hospital staff and Macmillan Charity!”
- Amy Parke, final year Medicine student
Celebration dinner in the Great Hall
In October, Ulster University hosted a special celebration at the Derry~Londonderry campus, home to our School of Medicine. The event brought together our generous funding partners and the talented medical scholars whose futures they’ve helped shape.
This memorable evening offered donors a unique opportunity to connect with the students whose lives have been transformed through their support. Over dinner, music, and inspirational speeches, scholars and donors created lasting bonds which reminded us of the profound impact of generosity and shared purpose.
Speaking at the dinner, Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew emphasised the importance of the Medical Education Scholarships and their role in creating a fairer, safer and more resilient society in Northern Ireland and beyond:
“These scholarships are more than financial aid; they are an investment in human potential, and in the future of healthcare. By opening doors for our students, you are also opening doors for the patients they will one day serve.
The reach of the School of Medicine will be far and wide, delivering healthcare professionals who are equipped to address the pressing needs of underserved communities, not only in Northern Ireland but around the world.”
This event was a testament to the power of community, philanthropy, and education in shaping a brighter future for us all. We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who joined us in celebrating this milestone and making it truly unforgettable.
Moving Closer to Life-Changing Treatments for Pancreatic Cancer
Thanks to the incredible support from our donors, we have achieved significant milestones in our mission to transform the lives of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Over the past year, our groundbreaking technology has received ILAP (Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway) status from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This recognition accelerates the pathway for bringing life-changing treatment to those affected by pancreatic cancer, bringing us one step closer to delivering vital solutions.
In 2025, we are also preparing to enter the clinical phase of our journey. We will take a monumental step forward by dosing our first patient in a Phase 1 clinical trial, a critical step in evaluating the safety and potential effectiveness of our treatment. This milestone marks the beginning of translating years of research into tangible results for patients.
As we look ahead, we are filled with optimism. Each step we take brings us closer to offering real hope to individuals and families impacted by this devastating disease. We are deeply grateful for donor support and look forward to sharing our continued progress as we embark on this next critical phase.
A heartfelt thank you: Stethoscope appeal reaches its target!
The stethoscope is more than just a tool, it symbolises the profound responsibility of becoming a doctor. For aspiring medical students, receiving their first stethoscope marks a defining moment in their journey.
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’ve made this moment even more special for the newest members of Ulster University’s School of Medicine. Through our Stethoscope Appeal, the Ulster University community came together to raise £5,760, enabling us to provide all 64 first-year medical students with their very own Littman Classic III stethoscope.
This gift equips them with an essential tool for their studies and represents a key milestone in their medical journey. Each stethoscope was accompanied by a card with heartfelt messages, wishing them success in their future careers.
Professor Louise Dubras, Foundation Dean of Ulster University’s School of Medicine, expressed her deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to this appeal:
"Your donations have made a lasting impact on our students. The stethoscope is a powerful symbol of their transition into the world of medicine, and your support has made that transition memorable. Thank you for being a part of this important moment in their lives."
