Mark Roberts, Medical Undergraduate Co-ordinator, has been honoured by Lancaster University with a student-voted award.
The award recognises his positive impact on clinical placements this year.
Mark, who has been helping to facilitate placements since 2016, has supported 750 medical and physician associate students as they move to the island to complete their placement.
As a result, more than 30 have returned for employment or training following their undergraduate placement on-island.
Moving to Manx Care
Recently, Lancaster University awarded Mark with their ‘Clinical Staff Prize’, which highlights the work Mark is doing to bring young people to the island.
The award is voted for by the students, to recognise someone who has made a positive impact on their clinical placements.
Mark attended this year’s graduation ceremony, where he was presented with his award by one of his former placement students.
Placement is Key
Mark said: “I’ve been with students through many celebratory moments, but equally many moments to commiserate.
“It’s a difficult degree they’re undertaking, so establishing a good rapport with each student early on in their placement really is key.
“I don’t ever want them to feel like just another medical student, as they often do on placements with larger student numbers.”
University Programme
He added: “My role is just one very small piece of the puzzle. A larger part of the credit goes to staff of all grades and professions assisting with the programme, taking these students under their wing, providing education and training with some fantastic opportunities, including all of our clinical and educational supervisors.
“It’s a pleasure to play a central part in something that can have such a big impact on a small island. The medical undergraduate programme generally receives very high scoring feedback, which puts us on the map for possible future employment, either for trainees or those who are fully qualified.
“As someone who grew up on the island, I feel it has a lot to offer – we should always be actively looking to support young people both returning to the Island and relocating here. Our future depends on them.”
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