School of Medicine hosts ScotGEM ‘Agents of Change’ event
The School of Medicine’s ScotGEM ‘Agents of Change’ team hosted a successful ‘Celebrating Community Connections’ event on Wednesday, 29 March. The event brought together ScotGEM students, third-sector providers, and academics to celebrate, recognise, and develop the programme’s ongoing placement partnerships.
ScotGEM is Scotland’s first graduate-entry, undergraduate medical programme and is designed to develop doctors interested in a career as a GP within NHS Scotland. Training includes participating in ‘Agents of Change’ projects, which help students develop the skills required to generate change in complex healthcare systems. The first-year Agents of Change project involves a third-sector placement in which students learn how to foster productive partnerships between the NHS and the voluntary sector.
At the event, third-sector, academic, and student speakers shared their perspectives on the placement process and how it benefits learners, placement organisations, and the community served by NHS Scotland. External speakers included third-sector expert and former ACOSVO CEO Pat Armstrong, OBE, and Alzheimer’s Scotland Associate Executive Lead Nikki Lorimer. The event also provided attendees with a chance to discuss their experiences and ideas informally in group conversations. This was a valuable opportunity to explore means of expanding community engagement and cross-sectoral partnerships to best addressing Scotland’s healthcare needs.