First Medicine students graduate from Exeter

The cohort of 88 students has now completed the five year Medicine programme, and marked their outstanding achievement before moving on to the next phase of their training within the NHS.

Medicine graduate Luke Tester said: “I’m ready to graduate today. It’s been a culmination of five years of hard work. It’s been a team journey between students, peers and staff and today is a celebration for all of us.”

Medicine graduate Ciara Greer: “I’ve had an absolutely amazing time at Exeter. The staff have been so supportive. They are beyond mentors - they’ve become friends. It’s been a great time. 

Professor Clive Ballard, Executive Dean of the Medical School, said: “I’m so proud of all our students, who have demonstrated a commitment to care and to leadership and innovation. This is a huge achievement for them, and for all the staff who have provided world-class education and support. Our students are extremely well prepared to deliver high-quality care, and I’m looking forward to seeing all they go on to achieve in taking the NHS in new directions.”

The student graduates took a new version of the Medical Oath which they have written, and they invited other doctors attending their graduation to join in the Oath. This emphasised their commitment to service and care, advancing knowledge and life-long learning and teaching, and to maintaining their own health and well-being:

As a new doctor/healthcare professional, and a member of the healthcare profession:

I solemnly pledge that I will do my best to serve humanity – caring for the sick, promoting good health and alleviating pain and suffering.

I will care for all patients equally and not allow prejudice to influence my practice.

I will respect the autonomy and dignity of my patients, and will uphold their confidentiality.

I will acknowledge my patients’ physical, psychological, and social needs and assist them to make informed decisions that reflect their own values and beliefs.

I will respect, support and give gratitude to my teachers, colleagues and all those who sustain the NHS.

I will reflect on my practice and recognise my limits.

I will seek to increase my understanding and skills, and promote the advancement of medicine as both a teacher and a learner.

I will work towards a fairer distribution of health resources and oppose policies in breach of human rights.

I will look after my own physical, mental and emotional well-being in my personal and professional life.

I shall never intentionally cause overall harm to my patients, and will have the utmost respect for human life.

I will practice medicine with integrity, humility, honesty and compassion.

I recognise that the practice of medicine is a privilege with which comes considerable responsibility and I will not abuse my position.

I make this declaration sincerely, freely and upon my honour.

To mark the achievements of all graduates, the Medical School hosted a celebration open to graduating medical students, and to students graduating from the Medical Sciences and Medical Imaging programmes, as well as graduating postgraduate students.

The University of Exeter Medical School was set up in 2012, when the universities of Exeter and Plymouth agreed to end their partnership-run Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (PCMD). The first Exeter medicine students began the new programme in September 2013. The Medical School is expanding both staff and student numbers. This year Exeter has been granted permission to train 88 additional Medicine students per year.

After completing their degree, Exeter’s new graduates will spend two more years on Foundation Year training within the NHS, on placements across the country before they are fully qualified as doctors.