It is a privilege to serve as Dean of Medicine at the North Wales Medical School (NWMS). Over the past year, we have embarked on a journey to transform medical education in North Wales. This is a moment to reflect on what we have achieved together and to look ahead with renewed purpose.
Growth and milestones
This past year has been exciting as we welcomed our inaugural cohort of medical students to NWMS who are the first to undertake their full medical training in North Wales. New academic and professional staff have brought energy, expertise, and a shared commitment to our mission of addressing regional healthcare needs while promoting excellence in education, research, and community engagement.
Our School continues to grow, not just in size but in reach and impact. In total, 99 students have joined NWMS to study Medicine this academic year. Including those students starting on the new . This course will widen participation for Welsh-domiciled students who may not have met standard entry criteria but aspire to study medicine.
In another important milestone, this new academic year we have welcomed our first cohort of pharmacy students, further strengthening our contribution to the healthcare workforce of North Wales.
Collaboration and partnership
No medical school is built by individuals alone. Our progress is the result of collaboration and shared vision, with our students, staff across the University, clinical partners in both primary and secondary care within Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), colleagues at Cardiff University, Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), and the Welsh Government. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare in our region.
Commitment to community
At NWMS, we hold both the privilege and responsibility of training the next generation of physicians, scientists, researchers, and health leaders. We are committed to:
- Excellence and innovation in education, research, and clinical training.
- Inclusivity, opening doors to those who may not have previously seen themselves in medicine.
- Welsh culture and language, ensuring our graduates understand and reflect the communities they serve.
This commitment is exemplified in the More than Words – Welsh as a Clinical Skill course, developed with Canolfan Bedwyr. By combining language tuition with cultural awareness, we equip our students with medicine-specific Welsh vocabulary and opportunities to use it in practice, strengthening their ability to connect meaningfully with patients.
At the heart of medicine is human connection, the relationships we build with each other, with colleagues, and most importantly with our patients. These connections are enriched when we engage with the language, culture, and identity of the communities we serve.
Looking ahead
As we begin this new academic year, our commitment is clear: to support our students, our teams, and our communities. Together, we are building not just a medical school, but a sustainable, inclusive, and healthier future for North Wales and beyond.