Medical students in the first cohort from the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine have marked a significant milestone.
The students have taken on placement opportunities at Furness General Hospital for the very first time, as they approach the end of their inaugural year.
Students are gaining valuable clinical experience at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.
The landmark moment reflects the growing collaboration between PCSM and local health services, helping to build a sustainable medical workforce in Cumbria.
The visit coincided with a special trip from Amy Braier, director of the Pears Foundation, whose organisation was instrumental in establishing the medical school through generous philanthropic support.
During the visit, she met students, clinicians and partners involved in delivering the programme and witnessed first-hand the impact of this innovative approach to medical education in the region.
The placements in Barrow offer students early exposure to patient care in a community setting, providing hands-on experience and insights into the unique healthcare needs of local populations.
Anthonia Anorh, PCSM student said: “Whilst on placement we have had a mix of ward rounds and clinical teaching.
“I think they’ve been very beneficial because I have been able to implement what I have learned on the clinical teaching on my time on the ward.”
Amy Braier, Director at Pears Foundation added: “It has been inspiring to meet the students and see the programme in action.
“The commitment from partners across Cumbria is clearly making a difference, and it’s exciting to see the first year of PCSM culminating in opportunities like this bringing medical education closer to the communities that need it most.”
Clinicians at Furness General Hospital welcomed the students, highlighting the mutual benefits of placements for both learners and healthcare teams.
Lisa Betts, Undergraduate Education Manager for University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are delighted to welcome PCSM students to Furness General Hospital.
“Providing high-quality placement opportunities is vital not only for training the next generation of doctors, but also for strengthening healthcare provision in our region for years to come.”
The Pears Cumbria School of Medicine was established to address longstanding challenges in recruiting and retaining medical professionals in rural and coastal areas.
By offering community-focused training with strong local partnerships, PCSM aims to inspire graduates to build their careers in Cumbria and surrounding areas.
