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Students and staff from across the Medical School gathered for the conference
Exeter holds first Undergraduate Student Conference
Students and staff from across the Medical School gathered this Saturday (9th June) for the Undergraduate Student Conference, which took place at the Exeter Racecourse.
The event aimed to highlight the importance of student initiative and interdisciplinary work, and was attended by students across the Medical Imaging, Medical Sciences and Medicine programmes, as well as members of the Public Engagement in Medical Education (PIME) group and college students from the Exeter Progression to Medical Professions scheme.
Two plenary sessions took place; “Failing Health Systems and What We Can Do About Them”, delivered by Dr David Healy, Professor of Psychiatry at Bangor University and “Physician Associates, Who are they, What can they do, and How do you become one: The Plymouth University Guide” delivered by Dr Adele Hill, Programme Lead MSc Physician Associate Studies, University of Plymouth.
Delegates had the opportunity to attend workshops, take part in student-led debates, and hear inspiring stories from students during mini TED-style talks. Attendees also had the opportunity to find out more about Medical Sciences final year research projects and professional training years, and INSPIRE projects run at the Medical School.
A poster competition also took place, showcasing the research students have done during term time or via different vacation schemes, PTYs and internships. The two winners were Taona Nyamapfene (Medicine, 2nd year), with her presentation “The differential diagnoses of haematochezia with respect to current literature”, and Hannah Merrison, (Medical Sciences, final year), with her presentation “The interaction between tumours, the nervous system and the immune system”.
Stanimir Stoilov, a 2nd year Medical Sciences student who helped to organise the conference, said: “It was amazing to see students from across the college come together, exchange ideas and showcase their research. I really hope that this event turns into a tradition and would love to see it grow even more.”
Professor Reza Zamani, Director of the Medical School programmes, said: “I am absolutely delighted by the organisation of the conference and how it was delivered. Located at Exeter Racecourse, a brilliant choice of venue and catering, we had an excellent range of sessions (Posters, TED talks, Research presentation, ethical debates, workshops, etc.) and invited speakers. I would personally like to thank Vrinda and student organisers from all programmes at the Medical School, who worked tirelessly to put a first-class conference together. Can’t wait for next year!”
The event was organised by Dr Vrinda Nayak, lecturer at the Medical School, and an organizing committee made up of students Stanimir Stoilov, Alex Stan, Bryan Fernandes, Hannah Merrison, Sai Ramesh, Yu Qiao, Ben Kodiatt, Emily James, Miranda Giddins, Rebecca Hart, Melin Hasan, Belle Hew, Sara Khalid, Rupert Maclaren, Dimitra Nakou, Hasan Shariff, Chloe Tredgett, Natalie Wheelhouse, Andrel Yoong.
Date: 12 June 2018