Claire Freeman was a WMS student who sadly passed away during her first year of the MB ChB. She is remembered for her inspirational behaviour and support to friends and fellow students, and the Memorial Prize named after her is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates these attributes and displays inspirational leadership beyond the classroom.

Winner

The winner of the Claire Freeman Memorial Prize this year is Charlotte Blackmore. The panel were told through nominations of how she had consistently ‘gone above and beyond’ to support others. Her nominations recognised her work in the SSLC, MedSoc committee and with the medic parents scheme. It was also recognised that she has consistently displayed excellent leadership skills which have enabled her cohort to have a strong and evidenced voice and that her leadership became even more inspirational when the SSLC was flooded with student concerns in the face of the pandemic.

Commendation

The runner up in this category is Jessica Quimpo. Nominations highlighted how she had demonstrated ‘inspirational leadership’. Her work as vice president of the WMS BME student network has brought about demonstrable outputs in the areas of active bystander and anti-racism training and has supported the ongoing work of de-colonisation of the curriculum. Her nominations also highlighted the work she has engaged in beyond the school and curriculum which has supported the wider region, for example the migrant food bank in Coventry.

The first of our two new awards this year recognises those students who have gone far beyond expectations to tackle the challenges of the pandemic.

Winners

Our winners are Tom Dale MacLaine and Jean-Pierre Laake, for their work in establishing the Patient Connect service, a service which enabled hospitalised patients to connect virtually with concerned and cherished friends and family, in turn freeing up nursing capacity. This team and their work has received national recognition.

Commendation

The commendation in this category goes to Oliver Burton, in recognition of his efforts to provide anatomy and physiology revision sessions at the start of the pandemic, during a time of widespread concern and confusion. Nominations stated that they would 'never be able to truly thank him enough’.

Award for Teaching Excellence for a University-Based Teacher

Winner: Erin Fillmore

Students nominating Erin said:

• I have never met someone with such a great passion for teaching.
• Dr Fillmore has gone above and beyond with helping the first years during the pandemic!
• She is an exemplary teacher.
• Encouraging, patient, and sincere

Commendation: Greg Moorlock

Students nominating Greg said:

• Greg has, right from the very first lecture, engaged our collective attention.
• He speaks on topics clearly, knowledgeably, but most importantly pitches it in a way that makes it accessible.
• He is always available to answer questions, listens to student requests, and I have always felt that when I ask questions, he engages in a way that encourages independent thought.

Award for Teaching Excellence in the NHS

Winner: Hannah Webber

Students nominating Hannah said:

• Hannah was extremely supportive and helped us all get back into placement after our break because of Covid.

• She was a fantastic teacher, mentor and generally all round lovely!

• She was always there if we had any questions, made our mentor sessions very enjoyable and had a lot of helpful knowledge. She's great!

Champion of Virtual Education Delivery

Winner: Erin Fillmore

Students nominating Erin said:

• The speed with which the last week of teaching was made into an online format and the genuine concern vocalised made the process of trying to grapple with online teaching easier because it felt like there was a member of staff who really cared, simply because she vocalised it.
• With the switch to virtual education Dr Fillmore adapted very quickly and did an amazing job updating every one of the changes to the teaching schedule and delivery on a regular basis
  
  

Commendation: Greg Moorlock

Nominations noted Greg's mastery of Echo recordings and highlighted his great sense of humour.

Winner: Clarendon Lodge Practice

Students nominating Clarendon Lodge Practice said:

- Dr Farrar and the whole team made us feel very welcome and a part of the staff members.

- We learned so much and gained so much confidence in our history taking and examination skills.

- The entire team were welcoming and helpful and promoted the ethos of caring for the patients in the wider community.