Sam Jeffery, a final year medical student, who is developing a programme to help students lead teams tackling medical emergencies in hospitals, will be awarded the Vice Chancellor's prize on Thursday 19th July.
Sam Jeffery, a final year medical student, who is developing a programme to help students lead teams tackling medical emergencies in hospitals, will be awarded the Vice Chancellor’s prize on Thursday 19th July.
The prize is awarded annually during the University’s Degree Congregations to a student who has shown outstanding academic record and overall contribution to the life of the University.
Since arriving at Birmingham in 2002 Sam has excelled academically, and will graduate this year with an Honours Degree (the equivalent of a First Class Degree for Medical Students). During his medical training Sam has been an active member of the University’s Royal Naval Unit and is commissioned as a Medical Officer in the Royal Navy.
In his final year Sam has also worked on the training programme to develop students’ leadership skills in emergency situations. The inspiration for the project came after Sam saw how these problems are dealt with in the emergency room of a Los Angeles hospital. Next year Sam will be teaching final year medical students who have placements at Selly Oak Hospital.
In his spare time Sam has also volunteered at the Exeter and District Hospice and for the charity MIND.
Dr Kate Thomas from the University of Birmingham Medical School said: “Sam has been has been a huge asset to the Medical School and the wider University. He is someone who has done a tremendous job of balancing his studies with a huge range of outside interests. Sam is also someone who is always keen to find ways to improve things for other students and make the most of the opportunities offered by the medical course.
Although we are very sorry to see Sam leave, his dynamism and easy going manner with patients and colleagues means he will be an excellent doctor.
Sam adds: “I’m delighted to be given the award, being a medical student has been the ideal environment in which to develop new projects and ideas. I’ve always received tremendous support from the staff and students. I’m looking forward to developing the work in emergency medicine further by working with next year’s final year students. ”
ENDS
For further information contact:
Kate Chapple, Press Officer, University of Birmingham, tel. 0121 414 2772 or 07789 921164..
