Faculty of Health

Development of year 2 of the new curriculum is progressing on schedule. In this year, students will learn details of normal structure & function and pathology through a systems-based approach. All of the PBL cases have been drafted and are undergoing review by the theme groups; tutor notes are being written and unit groups are working with theme groups to define lists of lectures, practicals and experiential learning activities. The programme of clinical and communication skills training is in place. Additional training in manual handling, basic life support and first aid has been – or is in the process of being – scheduled. Unit groups are in the process of identifying unit-specific clinical placements to enable students to apply the skills learnt in the clinical skills lab. Other placements are being organized both within the local healthcare trust (e.g. post-mortem sessions, radiology activities) and in the community (e.g. in residential homes and with district nurses). The response from community organisations has been positive, both for placements and for student-selected component (SSC) options, which will involve students in non-clinical community organizations associated with care and support. The recruitment of PBL tutors for year 2 is about to begin.

Dr Gordon Dent & Dr Mark Cowling – Year 2 Co-Leaders

GMC Update

We continue to receive positive reports from the GMC QABME team. The December visit was mainly about observing the Year 1 OSSE and receiving an update on both how Year 1 is running and our plans for Year 2. The feedback at the end of the day was helpful and positive. We have now formally received and responded to the Report from the GMC Education Subcommittee, based on the QABME visits during 2007. This confirmed the unofficial feedback we had received and now makes it official that we have formal permission to proceed with the new curriculum, subject to regular monitoring with annual visits. This is of course good news and, even better, our status is clearly indicated on the GMC website, where a copy of the report is posted, along with our response (Please see http://www.gmc-uk.org/). At this year's interviews for applicants entering 2008/09, I sense that the issue of our status as a medical school is clearly understood. The next QABME visits are April 17 and June 11, so please keep these dates free until we advise who will be needed on the days.

The first MBChB graduation ceremony at Keele University

Although the first graduating cohort from the Manchester-validated course will not graduate until the summer of 2009, our current Year 5 students are the first group to have been here for the whole 5 years. About half of the group applied to Keele, were interviewed here and have been here since day 1. These students naturally feel very much a part of Keele University , and some asked if they could graduate at

Keele instead of at Manchester University. The outcome is that the first ever MBChB graduation ceremony will take place at 2 pm Tuesday 8 th July in the Chapel, Keele Campus.

This will be a landmark event for the School and the University as well as for the students. The ceremony will be mostly for medicine and health, degrees will be conferred by the Chancellor, Professor Sir David Weatherall, and an Honorary Doctorate will be awarded to one of the most outstanding medical scientists in the UK . The ceremony will be followed by a Medical School celebration, open to graduates, their families and staff. This is also an opportunity for eligible School of medicine staff to take part in the procession (more details on how will be made available closer to the time), a very rewarding experience to congratulate the first group of students that we have known for the whole course.

Another busy start to the year for the admissions team

Our new-style interview panels for 2007/08 include one academic staff member, one clinician and either a lay-person or a 5th year medical student. The lay interviewers have backgrounds varying from the teaching profession to the fire service. This is proving to be a winning formula and by the end of March we will have interviewed over 400 candidates and made approximately 270 offers of places to delighted students. It is a hectic but enjoyable job for the admissions team. .

Richard Hays and lots of our academic staff are talking to visitors while they wait to be interviewed, to put them at ease, answer any questions and give them lots of insight into what life at Keele School of Medicine will be like for them.

Applications closed on 15th January for our Health Foundation Year, which is aimed mainly at students who do not have the required sciences for our 5-year course, and for Year 3 entry, which is suitable for people with a Dentistry degree who wish to do maxillofacial surgery.

We are looking forward to meeting all of the students who will start these courses in the autumn.

Personalised Medicine – Fact or Fiction

One the 21 st January, The Chancellor, Professor Sir David Weatherall, gave the latest lecture in Keele's Public Sector Series of lectures for 2007/08. He spoke about genes and the future development of medicine and healthcare in a lecture titled "Personalised Medicine: Fact or Fantasy".

Professor Sir David Weatherall

Sir David, Regius Professor of Medicine Emeritus at Oxford University, said: "One prediction is that we will move to a time of personalised medicine when each of us will have our genome sequenced and we will then know our susceptibilities to various diseases, how to avoid them and, if we get them, precisely what dose of medicines our genes are telling us that we will require. In short, you will go to your GP with a headache; he will open up his computer and look at your genes, and tell you whether you are a one or two aspirin person. Is this really how life will be for your grandchildren or is it more suitable for a new edition of Brave New World?"

Learning Technology and IT Group

A new group to discuss Learning Technology and IT within the Medical School has now been set up by Adrian Molyneux (Learning Technology Manager). This will give us the opportunity to:

- Look at new requests for systems (either off-the-shelf or bespoke developments).
- Showcase best practice from existing systems and methodologies, which could be from within the school, the wider University, or external institutions.
- Consider major IT requests (for instance, requiring dedicated use of the IT Suite or setup of seminar rooms) - these are distinct from day-to-day maintenance activities.
- Publicise new central-university systems, software and initiatives (and maybe hold spin-off training sessions).
- Invite representatives from external companies to demonstrate systems available for trial or purchase.
- And, of course, any other relevant activities.

Anyone who is interested in joining the group or receiving minutes from the meetings can contact Adrian (hfa24@hfac.keele.ac.uk) to find out more.

Keele link with Yale

This week saw the arrival of the first graduate student from Yale University who will be spending three months at Keele studying ethics at the School of Medicine , as part of a student exchange initiative agreed between the two universities last year.

It began when two of our medical students went to New Haven , Connecticut , as bioethics interns to take part in a summer school at Yale. This programme is run by the Interdisciplinary Bioethics Center at the Institution for Social and Policy Studies. It gives selected students the chance to experience life in an Ivy League university, study alongside Yale students, as well as students from other universities and other countries.

The summer school offers a period of intense study around the broad theme of bioethics and allows for independent research, which in our case coincides with a fourth year project option period for MBChB students at Keele.

The common theme for both halves of the exchange is ethics and health policy, and Sarah Lee, who is here from January to April, is doing research as part of her MD. She is being mentored by Dr Roger Worthington, who is law and ethics lead at Keele School of Medicine, and during her stay she will do a clinical rotation at UHNS to gain some first-hand experience of the British NHS.

Sarah Lee

Roger has been a member of the Bioethics Center at Yale for seven years and is speaking at the 2008 summer school that will be attended by two more of our students. He made two visits to Yale last year to set up the exchange and we look forward to this being a continuing feature, with students travelling in both directions. In addition, this year sees transatlantic visits being made by senior staff from both schools of medicine, with the possibility for further collaborations in the future.

So you want to be a doctor?

Keele University School of Medicine will host a Royal Society of Medicine careers day on 12th March 2008 , for young people who want to discover more about becoming a doctor. It's an ideal opportunity for school students, aged 15 and 16, to find out more about this challenging and rewarding career. It is the sixth time that Keele has hosted the event and it is always fully booked, with 250 school students and accompanying teachers visiting the site. The morning lecture theatre programme includes a range of talks covering topics such as how to apply to study medicine, student experiences of medical school and pathways in a medical career. In the afternoon, delegates take part in a number of hands-on laboratory sessions where they get eagerly involved in measuring lung function, checking pulse and blood pressure and analysing urine. They also have the opportunity to meet representatives from the Keele School of Medicine's admissions team and from other Medical Schools. Many schools bring students back year after year, so we know it is a well-liked and valuable way of helping children to decide whether a career in medicine is what they want.

Student Update

Medsin Keele

Medsin is a national charity led by medical students aiming to reduce global health inequalities, starting at home. Recently a group of Keele medical students have organised a "Teddy Bear hospital". This project, run in primary schools, aims to reduce children's fears about hospitals and doctors, while simultaneously providing some public health education. Children aged between 4-6 go round a number of stations in small groups before going to see the "Teddy Bear Doctor". The whole event lasts about 2 hours and is organised by the medical students, with input from local paediatricians and the School Nurse Lead. Thanks to Dr William and Melanie Brock.

Teddy Bear Hospital

We recently ran our first Teddy Bear Hospital at St Johns School , Stoke, which was a great success. The children loved trying out the crutches and slings on the "disability" station, choosing a healthy picnic on "healthy eating" and spotting the dangers in the kitchen on "Safety". The fun didn't stop there, they were able to see how clean they could get their hands under the UV light (thanks to infection control) on the "hygiene" station, listen to their heart on "exercise" and learn some basic first aid themselves.

We have two more events booked before the exam season starts in April, then we'll be back in June with more to come! For more information, and to find out about the other projects being set up at Keele go to www.medsinkeele.wordpress.com/ .

The Medsin Committee (Sam Creavin, Alex Creavin, Rachel Lewis, Matt Short)

Student Careers Committee

The Keele Medical Student Career Committee (KMSCC) is nearing its first birthday and it should feel proud. Already it has achieved so much, two career fairs, a personalised website (www.keelemedicalcareers.co.uk), production of information leaflets and feedback to the Medical School of ideas for future career support.

On Saturday 8th December 2007 , KMSCC hosted Keele University School of Medicine's second career fair. Despite a smaller turn out than the previous career fair in June, possibly due to the deterrent of horrendous weather and the pull of Christmas shopping, it could be said that this second career fair was an even bigger success than the first, as this career fair was even more student-led. The KMSCC is still in its infancy but managed to successfully use feedback from the first event to improve delivery of a useful day. The day included sessions that informed students how they could (and why they might want to) become a medic, surgeon or GP. A Foundation doctor, Becky Chubb, provided insight into life as a foundation trainee and students were given the chance to find out about how they could undertake intercalated degrees. Both staff and students were very positive about the new feature of December's career fair, the CV drop in clinic. This was mutually beneficial and both parties enjoyed the one-to-one contact this encouraged.

We were well supported by a number of organisations and the career fair provided opportunity for students to buy discounted books, win one of 16 donated text books and find out a bit more about career-related organisations.

Currently the KMSCC is in the early stages of producing a locally relevant career-related book that will eventually be available on the internet. Ideas that have arisen from the KMSCC are already being implemented within a staff medical student career support proposal. In addition, the KMSCC will have an important role in providing feedback on the proposed future career support that will be implemented by staff.

Lizzie Cottrell - Academic Foundation Year 2

Keele Surgical Society Update

Things have been going well for the student surgical society!

Monthly talks have included, Abdominal Trauma, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, What's in it for me? More Blood than guts!. We are very grateful to the Consultant Surgeons for delivering these valued talks for us. Future talks are planned monthly.

Forthcoming events include a case presentation evening on the 28 th of February where students are competing for a prize sponsored by the NATWEST of £100. The panel of judges will include, Mr Kirby, Professor Elder, Mr Duffy, Mr Deakin, Miss Walsh and Mr Singh. Students from both preclinical and clinical years are entering with mentoring for pre-clinical years.

Suturing sessions are going well, we expect to be able to allow adequate exposure for all 270 members by the end of the year.

The 3rd of May will be the annual dinner dance for the society. This year will be held at the Ramada Jarvis hotel in Clayton. As well as the presentations of student prizes we will be competing in games to arrive at the final house winner for the cup!!!!!!!!!

At the time of writing (Feb 12th ) Moynihan is in the lead, however it could all change!!!!!

The House masters, Mr Kirby (Hunter) Mr Duffy (Moynihan) Professor Elder (Lister) and Mr Deakin (Paget) will be joining us. Any other surgeons out there who would like to join us are welcome!. Tickets will be available from next week.

Any queries email Catherine on m4b25@mgb.keele.ac.uk

Christmas Ball 2007

Christmas Ball Quartet

Mr Satur and friendsThe yearly Christmas Ball had the added special touch of not only having an excellent photographer, in the form of Ellis Hughes (Yr3), who took group and individual photos, but also the hospital orchestra, headed by Mr Satur, who provided the musical entertainment during the meal. During the evening, a promise charity auction was held where promises such as cooking, providing manicures and taking someone to a Manchester United game were auctioned off to the highest bidders. In all it was a varied night with plenty of entertainment for everyone.

X Factor

Keele Medics have got talent! Perhaps that should be included in the undergraduate prospectus, judging by the calibre of performers at the KMS Xfactor Night in the Pig and Rat last December. It was a night of varied acts ranging from Amy Winehouse impersonators, Spice Girls wannabes to reluctantly recruited and somewhat tipsy singers, who were all judged in XFactor style by a panel of esteemed judges, Margaret Hollins, Mike Mahon and Doug Corfield. In the end, however, the winner of a free Xmas Ball ticket, was Elena (Yr2) who was brave enough to sing an accapella solo. Two excellent Year 2 drummers , Ram and Luke, took the second prize and Jocelyn (Yr 3) received third prize for her heart warming solo.

Three Important New Textbooks by Keele Authors

Three more important books by Keele Medical School authors have been published.

Psychological disorders in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the MRCOG and Beyond was written by jointly by Professors Shaughn O'Brien and Ilana Crome and Senior Lecturer Mr Khaled Ismail. This book covers all aspects of the psychological disorders related to the reproductive life of women including menopause, premenstrual syndrome, postnatal depression, substance abuse in pregnancy and much more. It is actually aimed at MRCOG trainees but as few similar books have been published it will be suitable for anyone involved in this area of clinical practice or research.

Introduction to Research Methodology for Specialists and Trainees is aimed at those setting about research in medicine and health sciences for the first time. This is the second edition by Professors Shaughn O'Brien and Broughton Pipkin who have published research together for well over thirty years.

The third book, The Premenstrual Syndromes: PMS & PMDD is also by Shaughn O'Brien who initiated the book as senior edit or with two eminent US co- edit ors; Professor Rapkin (Gynaecologist) from UCLA and Peter Schmidt (psychiatrist) from NIMH Washington. This is probably the first textbook to bring together all international experts from either side of the Atlantic who have published in this research area. It has resulted in a definitive and authoritative text encompassing the full range of scientific study of this somewhat neglected subject in the UK; it covers everything from complementary methods, psychotropics, hormones and genetics right up to advanced imaging techniques on brain function.

Professor O'Brien has just completed his three year successful Vice Presidency of the RCOG combined with a sabbatical and these books represent part of the output from this period.

Forthcoming Training Workshops

Core Skills in Laparoscopic Surgery (4th – 6th June 2008) - College approved reduction from £965 to £750 (including lunch, refreshments and course dinner)

This will be an intensive course with plenty of opportunity to practice skills in the Laboratory, using bench-top models specifically designed for the course.

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Third & Fourth Degree Perineal Repair Workshop (29th April, 8th July & 4th November)

A one-day hands-on skills course for the repair of episiotomies and third degree perineal tears. This course is aimed at Consultants, trainee obstetricians & gynaecologists in colorectal surgery.

Second Degree Episiotomy Repair Workshop (28th April, 7th July & 3rd November)

A one-day hands-on skills course for the repair of episiotomies and second degree perineal tears. This course is aimed at midwives, trainee obstetricians & gynaecologists.

For a provisional programme and application form please contact:
Mrs Karen Wilson – Education Administrator
Keele University Medical School
University Hospital of North Staffordshire
Courtyard Annexe [Block 45 – City General Site]
Newcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG
Tel: [01782] 553963 Fax: [01782] 553978 Email: pma02@keele.ac.uk

Appointment Update

The Medical school would like to wish a warm welcome to our recent new starters:-

Dr Sally-Ann Chambers – Teaching Fellow in Medicine

Sally joined us just after Christmas, having been an SpR in Geriatrics at Stoke Mandeville Hospital . Sally and Sarah Cregan, our Teaching Fellow in Surgery, will be doing lots of teaching on the pre-op assessment ward at UHNS, and in the clinical skills lab.

Dr Caragh Brosnan – Lecturer in Medical Education

Richard Hays was pleased to welcome a new member of staff with a similar accent to his own – Caragh is a graduate from the University of Queensland in Australia , and prior to joining us at Keele, studied for her PhD at the University of Cambridge .

Dr. Kay Mohanna – Senior Lecturer in Primary Care Education

Kay, who is a GP in Lichfield , joined the University in January, and is Course Director for the Masters in Medical Science. We look forward to working with Kay as the School develops its postgraduate courses.

Caroline Whiting – Marketing and Events Officer

We welcomed Caroline at the beginning of January. She has gained lots of marketing experience working both in her own business and also at Heinemann Educational Publishers. Caroline will be co-ordinating our recruitment events and bringing a fresh perspective to the marketing of our courses.

Janet McNicholas – Administrative Assistant (Admissions)

As our Admissions Office is currently “producing” quite a few offspring, we were delighted that Janet wanted to be seconded within the School from her role assisting the Year administrators. She will be the Administrative Assistant in the Admissions Office for about 18 months, gaining useful experience of a different area of School administration.

Lynn Sagar – IT/AV Technical Co-ordinator

Mr. Lynn Sagar came to the Medical School in October 2007 as IT/AV Technician at the UHNS Hospital Campus. Recently we have been seeking an ITAV Technical Co-ordinator to manage the IT/AV team across our sites, and were delighted that Lynn was appointed. He will also be doing vital in-house training and support work for the numerous IT software packages that we all have to use.

Dr. John Wynn-Jones – Senior Lecturer in Rural Health Education

John is probably our most recent recruit, taking up his post from 1 st February. John is a GP in Montgomery, Powys, and will be assisting in the recruitment, training and support of a network of rural-based tutors in Staffordshire and Shropshire , for the new Keele undergraduate curriculum.

Lisa Morgan – Administrative Assistant ( Shropshire Campus)

Lisa joined Susanna and Ang in October, and has soon settled in to the vital work of supporting our undergraduate students at Shrewsbury & Telford Hospitals Trust. Susanna looked noticeably relieved when she gained another member of staff, as life is pretty busy out there!

and a fond farewell to:

Dr. Paul Hoban

After 11 years at Keele, including just over 2 years as Senior Lecturer with the Medical School , Paul has now quit academia to take up a new post in the “outside world”. We thank him very much for his valuable contribution to the development of the School, and wish him well in his new job.

Kerry Booth

Kerry has been a part-time receptionist at the UHNS Hospital Campus for almost two years, and left us in December in order to spend more time with her family. We wish Kerry all the best for the future.

and finally congratulations to:

Adrian & Julia Molyneux on the birth of their baby son, Ewan

Paul Horrocks & Kerry on the birth of their baby daughter, Amy

Paul Clews & Liz on the birth of their baby daughter, Millie

School of Medicine

David Weatherall building

Keele University

Staffordshire ST5 5BG

Telephone: 01782 733937

Research Institutes