Professor Margaret Kingston - Welcome Address
Summary
Professor Margaret Kingston's welcome address for the WPMN 2023 Conference
Description
Learning objectives
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the ways in which the University of Manchester supports applicants from diverse backgrounds.
- Analyze how one's own background and experiences can inform medical practice and patient care.
- Comprehend the importance of cultivating relationships with peers while in medical school.
- Explain the potential benefits of straight-talking when interacting with colleagues and patients.
- Recognize the rewarding aspects of a medical career and the lifelong support network it can provide.
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Computer generated transcript
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Welcome to everyone here today. Thank you for giving up your valuable time to spend here with us at the University of Manchester, especially during your values summer holiday. We are so pleased to have you with us. I'm so sorry. I can't be with you in person if I could be, I would be. Thank you also to Dr Enamul HAQ, senior academic leading widening participation and equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives for us here in Manchester on the medical program, but also across the UK. Through his work with Medical Schools Council at the University of Manchester, we are very keen that medical education is available to young people from all backgrounds and those who have had diverse educational opportunities. It is really important to us that our medical students and our future doctors come from and understand the communities they serve. We do not just pay lip service to this during recruitment, students with the widening participation flag have that visible to their interviewers. We are aware that students in this position may not have had the support to prepare for interviews, the context or experience from parents, wider family or friends of a medical career. All the same opportunities for work experience and volunteering. University of Manchester makes contextual offers on the court's. There are opportunities for support from peers, for additional financial support from the university, both in terms of monies available and study resources and equipment. So in um asked me to say a little about my own story. I grew up in a large town in Yorkshire and I went to a small local primary and then a large comprehensive school with my friends. I was really happy. I knew everyone and everywhere and everything was familiar to me. At my school, we have really supportive teachers and the school was really caring but most people stayed locally and did not go on to university. I don't think any more difficult medical school before no one in my family had been to university. My parents were really supportive of my ambitions and did all they could to help me. But I am so grateful that there were no fees in those days and that grants were available. Student loans became available in my later years, which was really really powerful. My first terms at university hard, I was surrounded by people who have always expected to go to university and even to medical school. The complete opposite of my background, many of them have families who had always done this and they were fulfilling their expectations. Whereas I was not then you what to do, how to fit in, what to wear, what to say, etcetera, etcetera. And I really did not. And I fell out of place most of the time I missed my family and friends and I didn't feel I fitted in, but there was lots of good as well and it got better. The course was amazing. I looked medicine and I knew I was as smart as anyone else there. I don't my place and without an expensive education and I knew I'd chosen the right course and vocation. And slowly I started to feel at home and make real friends friends for life who might still make still today. It may seem a million miles away from you now. But the opportunity of those shared university experiences are amazing after lots of parties, holidays and have shares and many of the memorable terms, we still go on holiday together with godparents to each other's Children. We've also seen each other through some really tough times including disappointments, breakup bereavement and many other challenges. At that first years, Medics Pool. I met my future husband, not a medic, but there with his housemates. And over 30 years later, we're still together happy most of the time. And with three Children, a dog, I was there because I wanted to be not because of expectations. My dreams and ambitions were mine alone, which was much easier than, than some of my friends who had a lot of parental pressure, which I never did. I had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. There are situations which many of your peers who come from backgrounds where a professional career is the north and their schooling has prepared them. Just know what to do and you may not, but never mind, you are bright and capable and you're like, there are many times you may feel uncomfortable or unprepared and certain how to navigate situation when others seem to do it with. However, there will be many times when your ability to relate to those in the team's you work in and to your patient's will be appreciated and respected. Recently, a senior nurse asked for my help with a high profile project because she said you're practical pragmatic and we can work with you and others will listen to you as well. And I think that comes from my own working class background and my straight talking. So please do considers here in medicine at the University of Manchester. Medicine is tough, but it's fun and interesting and always changing and challenging the friends you make here will be at your side for life. You will be supported. We value each and every one of you. I hope you have a wonderful time here today and thank you against Enam for inviting me to welcome you walk. Yeah.