A student who has championed support for his peers and local community is to be recognised with one of the University of Dundee’s most prestigious prizes.
Kieran Rhodes will receive this year’s Wimberley Award when he graduates from the University’s School of Medicine on Friday 27 June. The honour is presented to the student or students who have made the most distinguished contribution to university life in the academic year.
Kieran, from Livingston, will cross the Caird Hall stage to collect his Intercalated BMSc in Medical Education. He has been named recipient of the Wimberley Award for his ongoing dedication to supporting students from widening access backgrounds and strengthening links between Medicine students and the local community.
He joined the University in 2020 as part of the Gateway to Medicine programme - a one-year course designed to support Scottish residents from widening access backgrounds onto the five-year Medicine course. Throughout his time at the University, he established a peer-mentoring system for Gateway students, co-founded the Dundee University Social Medicine Society (DUSMS), and demonstrated academic excellence throughout his studies.
“I come from a widening access background, and I've never been shy of that fact,” he said.
“I received a lot of support from University staff during both my Gateway and Medicine courses and without that I may have struggled.
“I’m extremely passionate about helping other widening access students. That means helping them to get into university, but also ensuring they are supported throughout their degree.”
Starting his studies during the height of the pandemic, Kieran quickly recognised the risk of disconnection for new students. The Gateway to Medicine Buddy Families programme was created to address that, facilitating peer support from medical students who had graduated onto the core Medicine programme.
As well as breaking down barriers between students, Kieran has spearheaded efforts to encourage Medicine students to work with the local community through DUSMS. As a result, the Society’s members volunteer at initiatives across the city, including foodbanks and a local soup kitchen.
“I know I want to continue championing widening access and the importance of community as my career develops,” he added.
“Medicine is about kindness. Empathy and compassion should be central to what it means to be a doctor, and we have a responsibility to promote equity in healthcare and within our profession.
“Winning the Wimberley Award is a huge honour. To me, it reaffirms the University’s commitment to widening access and the Dundee community. Everything I’ve achieved has only been possible thanks to the support of many other students and staff. This award belongs to them as much as it does to me.”