Warwick Medical School Prizegiving celebrates student and staff success
The 2025 Warwick Medical School Prizegiving Evening took place on Wednesday 12 February, celebrating the fantastic work and achievements of our undergraduate and MB ChB students over the last year and recognising teaching and personal tutoring excellence amongst our staff.
The evening was hosted by our Dean of Medicine, Professor Gavin Perkins, and our Pro-Dean for Education, Professor Lucy Hammond, at the Panorama Suite on central campus. Introducing the awards, Professor Perkins said: "In the 18 months I have been Dean I have been struck by the extent of the hard work and dedication of our students in achieving the very best outcomes, not only at graduation but also as they progress within their programmes of study. Whether your award this evening reflects your academic performance, or the contribution you have made to the experience of your community, you should feel proud of your achievements."
Our guests were treated to a drinks reception and a buffet meal before the awards were presented at the end of the night. Congratulations to all our winners!
Take a look at the photos from the evening (staff and students only)
2025 prize winners
Health and Medical Sciences Prizes
Year One Performance Prize: Winner
Lily Brown
Year One Performance Prize: Second Place
Tiago Dourado
Year Two Performance Prize: Winner
Ffion Lewis
Year Two Performance Prize: Second Place
Niki Yu
Health and Medical Sciences Community Award
Katrin Hirtenlehner
Students nominating Katrin said she was not only an outstanding student, but that she strives to supporther peers in excelling academically as well. She sacrifices her time to help others and is an active member of every classroom discussion, regularly contributing to the HMS year 3 study group chat and organising group revision.
Health and Medical Sciences CBL Engagement Prize
Amalia Diamantopoulou, Amy Rigby, Jusleen Virdee, Kareem Al-Mutawakel, Preanka Mudaly, Linda Gondwe, Sophie Shamshiri-Fard and York Fang.
Integrated Natural Sciences Prizes
Year One Performance Prize: Winner
Xuan Liu
Year Two Performance Prize: Winner
Shanthi Panchalingam
Outstanding Contribution to Interdisciplinary Science Prize: Winner
Jakub Milczarek
Jakub was nominated by his peers because of his commitment to his support of others. His fellow students said he put in significant work to keep Breakfast Club running and the year groups interconnected with his community spirit and enthusiasm.
MB ChB Phase 1 Prizes
Phase 1 Written Examination Prize: Winner
Maliha Ayoola
Phase 1 Written Examination Prize: Joint second place
Maya Slee and Lawson Faulkner
Phase 1 Clinical Examination Prize: Winner
Radhika Sarda and Jack Gibbs
Phase 1 Clinical Examination Prize: Second place
Maya Slee
Felicity Smith Group Prize
Felicity Smith Group Prize: Winners
Ajmal Ahmed, Beth Clarkson, Max Frost, Zakiya Gaisie, Georgia Gourlay, Asmat Gul, Danielle Hancox, Ahina Ip and Parisa Teli.
This award is given to the group who, in the opinion of the CBL facilitators, has worked the best towards Phase 1 of the course.
Warwick Doctor Prizes
Kindness: Joint winners
Ajmal Ahmed and Ibrahim Al-Jibouri
Supporting Others: Joint winners
Georgia Gourlay and Nur Mousa
Humility: Winner
Azeb Malik
Innovation and Creativity: Winner
Nadin Szabó
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Integrity: Winner
Maddison Wordon
MB ChB Phase 2 Prizes
Phase 2 Written Examination Prize: Winner
David Machin
Phase 2 Written Examination Prize: Joint second place
Evie Bannister, Finn Dooley, Arthur Graham and Max Somer
Phase 2 Clinical Examination Prize: Winner
Lindsay Williams
Phase 2 Clinical Examination Prize: Second place
David Machin
RCGP Audit Prize
RCGP Audit Prize: Winner
Neha Bhandari
Student Selected Component Prizes
SSC1 Overall Best Performance Prize: Winner
Rhian Hughes
SSC2 Overall Best Performance Prize: Joint winners
Shirin Cantillon and Cecilia Jobin
Claire Freeman Prize
Claire Freeman Prize: Winner
Oliver Murray
Claire Freeman was a WMS student who sadly passed away during her time on 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.
Nominating Oliver for this prize, students told us that he has demonstrated admirable leadership qualities since starting at WMS. As an SSLC Rep, he has cultivated an authentic relationship with his cohort to gather their perspectives and represent their voices at SSLC and Phase management meetings, advocating for positive changes and maintaining respectful communication with students and staff alike. His campaign for MedSoc President was genuine, demonstrating a real desire to improve the student experience and WMS interrelationships, and avoid superficial showmanship. He is already using the role to truly represent and advocate for his peers across cohorts, leading and supporting a broad MedSoc committee, arranging or facilitating additional experience and improvements such as the Zero to Finals talk and still finding time to teach through a student seminar.
One student wrote “He is one of those rare few who is realistic with his ideals and can actually follow through, quietly, without fanfare or seeking accolades or power. He genuinely wants to help others, and I'm incredibly grateful that we have him!”
Undergraduate Teaching and Personal Tutor Awards
Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award: Winner
Dr Dawn Collins
In their nominations students told us that Dawn is incredibly supportive, consistently going above and beyond for them and showing genuine understanding of their personal situations. She is always ready to offer help when needed and her prompt responses to queries reflect her dedication. Her teaching style is both relatable and informative, making complex topics accessible while imparting valuable knowledge. Students hold her in high regard and look up to her as a mentor and role model.
Undergraduate Best Personal Tutor Award: Winner
Dr Rinita Dam
In their nominations students commented on Rinita's constant source of support and guidance as a tutor who has always gone above and beyond to be there for her tutees, approaching every interaction with genuine care and dedication to support their growth. Her kindness and approachability makes her someone they can openly talk to, no matter the challenges they are facing. Beyond her official responsibilities, she has been a pillar of strength, offering support and guidance though personal times and is someone students feel comfortable in seeking help from when in difficulty. She offers valuable insights, teaching life lessons, and truly listens.
MB ChB Awards for Teaching Excellence
MB ChB Teaching Excellence in a University Setting Award: Winner
Dr Crispin Wiles
Students nominating Crispin highlighted his helpful approach and how he always makes time to go through things with them. Students also commended his approach to giving feedback and the support he offers them on projects.
MB ChB Teaching Excellence in an NHS Setting Award: Winner
Dr Lucy O'Kane
In their nominations, students described Lucy as super engaging, passionate about surgery, enthusiastic and happy to help out with seeking out learning opportunities. She provides a supportive environment and has truly made a huge difference to the quality of the teaching block.
WMS GP Practice of the Year Prize
WMS GP Practice of the Year Prize: Winner
Henley-in-Arden Medical Centre
Award accepted by Dr Richard Marks
In their nominations, students said:
"Dr Marks, and the rest of the team at Henley-in-Arden Medical Centre, were excellent. They were well organised, friendly and had a clear idea of the expectations they had of us as students."
"Dr Marks was an outstanding tutor and mentor during our CCE2 GP rotation. His commitment to providing valuable and supportive feedback has significantly enhanced our learning experience. He consistently promotes an environment where we felt comfortable to challenge ourselves. By challenging us to suggest initial management plans, he encouraged us to think critically and independently, which has massively contributed to improving our confidence as future practitioners. His approach not only aided our academic growth but also prepared us for real-world medical scenarios."
MB ChB Personal Tutor Awards
MB ChB Personal Tutor Award
Prof Geraldine Hartshorne
Students nominating Geraldine said:
"I really struggled on and off with personal issues and mental health problems last academic year. Geraldine not only supported my studies but also went above and beyond to ensure my safety. Without her, I don’t think I would have been able to pass the year. She was very professional and caring towards me and should have recognition of what a brilliant personal tutor she is."
Clinical Personal Tutor Award
Dr Natasha Ratnaraja
Students nominating Natasha said:
"Natasha has been the definition of what a personal tutor should be: supportive, selfless and caring. Natasha has helped me through some extremely difficult times, and has always been so proactive in supporting me. She is always available at short notice to meet up for a supportive trip to Costa or a chat online. When we first met, Natasha was so warm and friendly. I immediately knew I could trust her and rely on her support, and for that I will be forever grateful. She is always pushing for us to be the best students we can, whilst also urging us to look after ourselves at the same time."
WMS Supporting Education Prize
WMS Supporting Education Prize: Winner
Cath Fenn
Cath was nominated because students indicated that she is a shining example of unsung heroes at WMS, always available to answer any student or staff queries, troubleshoot, problem-solve, fix numerous issues, endlessly championed for improving the student experience whilst seeking to make the working lives of staff and students easier with her involvement and always encouraged self-care and wellbeing.