Faculty of Medicine celebrates its latest graduates at Commemoration Day 2019

Over 650 graduates from Imperial College School of Medicine received their degrees at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall last week.

This year's ceremony saw 253 graduates awarded with MBBS degrees and 398 awarded BSc degrees. Graduates were joined by family and friends to celebrate the occasion, with many more watching a live stream of the ceremony from afar. 

Addressing the graduands, Professor Jonathan Weber, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine said "You can be rightly proud of what you have accomplished.

"Your time here has, I am sure, not only given you the opportunity to grow your knowledge and showcase your ability, but also to encounter challenge, forge collaborations, and be part of the excitement of developing ideas and solutions that have real and positive effect on people’s lives."

Those receiving BSc degrees in Biomedical Science were the last ever cohort of students on the programme following the launch of a revised version of the course in 2017 – BSc Medical Biosciences. 

Intercalated BSc Programme

Also amongst the BSc graduates were students intercalating during their third and fourth year of medical studies. The School of Medicine's integrated BSc programme is open to students at other UK or Irish medical or veterinary schools who can apply to join Imperial for one year.

Imperial College Medals

Commemoration Day is also a chance to recognise the outstanding achievements of staff and students, with a number of special awards.

The following people received Imperial College Medals in recognition of their considerable contributions to the life and work of the College:

Professor James Best, Dean of the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, endocrinologist and medical leader.

Since joining the School of Medicine in 2014, Professor Best has spearheaded an ambitious programme, driving forward its interdisciplinary research strategy and innovative teaching activities. This leadership has had an invaluable impact on equipping more doctors to meet Singapore’s healthcare needs. 

Tracy Halsey, Head of the Early Years Education Centre, for more than 30 years of exceptional service and tireless support to the Imperial families that require safe, secure childcare.

Over 30 years of service, her dedication and expertise have resulted in promotion from an Educator to the Centre's leader, providing a vital service to the College community. In this time, the daycare and education facilities have been expanded to cater to 158 children, with plans to grow even further.

President's Medal

The President’s Medal is awarded to recognise staff members who have made outstanding contributions to research, external engagement, innovation, and research support or supervision.

The President’s Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Excellence was awarded to Mr Martin Lupton, Vice-Dean (Education) for the Faculty of Medicine. He was recognised for putting student engagement at the top of his agenda and displaying a genuine passion for education.

The President’s Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Excellence was awarded to Dr Arti Maini, Deputy Director of Undergraduate Primary Care Education, for her commitment to empowering medical students and improving medical education.

Outstanding Student Achievement Awards

At the ceremony, Imperial awarded Outstanding Student Achievement Awards to the following students:

• Medical students Aida Abdelwahed and Nour Houbby for their commitment to helping marginalised patients and making a meaningful difference to their health and wellbeing.

• Medical students Ayesha Ahmad and Simon Thackray for working tirelessly to develop activities that support and encourage pupils from deprived and diverse backgrounds to pursue a career in medicine.