It started with a free lunch; I volunteered to trek down to the BioQuarter for a student focus group about who-knows-what for the comped poke bowl.
I had no idea what ‘Edinburgh Medical School 300’ was or what it was trying to achieve. What I did learn was that this World Café was meant to include our student voice in the decisions that were being made about our school. By the end of those two hours, I had signed on to one working group collating a poetry anthology and another coordinating the new Edinburgh Medical School tartan. A few months later, I had the honour of becoming the Student Storyteller as well.
When I reflect back on what exactly pushed me to write my name down as a willing volunteer for any of these, it is hard to pinpoint the catalyst. Perhaps I was just being keen? Or perhaps I was taken in by the infectious atmosphere, created by a team whose unbridled enthusiasm at trailblazing something unconventional was like a contagious fervour you can’t allay. Whatever defines this mysterious pull to EMS300, it has been a incredible treat and it’s about time to share that with the rest of you.
A bit of background
Edinburgh Medical School 300 is about marking the anniversary of the foundation of Edinburgh Medical School in 1726. If you think about it, it is pretty special that in one way or another, we have all found ourselves together in this time and place: to share, reflect, and engage with three centuries of history as we ponder on how we intend to shape our future. Borne out of focus groups with staff and students, the project is made up of six workstreams that aim to address the assorted dimensions of Edinburgh Medical School: Student Experience, Learning from our History, Global Communities & Partnerships, Digital Frontiers in Healthcare, Community Connections, and Research & Innovation.
My current position, otherwise referred to as the Roving Reporter, was conceived from within the Student Experience workstream, led by Dr. Marti Balaam and Y6 medical student Heen Shamaz. The priorities of this workstream focus on embedding arts and humanities through student involvement to create inter-disciplinary partnerships that will define Edinburgh Medical School beyond 2026. Based on writer-in-residence positions seen within many universities, it is my job to seek out and highlight the fascinating people, stories and contributions that make up 300 years of Edinburgh Medical School from a student’s point of view.
So excited for the year ahead
As 2026 kicks off, I am beyond excited about what is coming. It isn’t often that medical students get to engage with and learn from characters within interdisciplinary specialities, such as poets, musicians, historians, and tartan weavers. Edinburgh Medical School 300 events promise a range of attendees – you don’t want to miss out! Of course, with big events that make big promises, there is always a little apprehension regarding the delivery, but with the brilliant group behind it all, led by the enthusiasm of Prof. Lorna Marson & Julie Contreras, I have full confidence in what 2026 has to offer. I have spent the last year observing the meetings, workshops, and planning sessions that have culminated in our Edinburgh Medical School 300 calendar. I can, with great and sincere authority, say that there will be something for everyone!
This short introduction is about expressing that gratitude, acknowledging the incredible community and their hard work, and sharing that excitement with you. Whether this is your first time hearing about Edinburgh Medical School 300, or you’ve been following along, I cannot wait to share my experience and that of those who have shaped 300 years of Edinburgh Medical School. Make sure to keep an eye on socials and this space for updates, student stories, and all kinds of intriguing content.
P.S. If, like me, you’re going into Year 4 Medicine in 2026, that means you are part of the lucky cohort introducing our brand new Edinburgh Medical School student scrubs. If you didn’t already know, on Thursday 19 February and Friday 20 February, Fitting Sessions are taking place in the Undergraduate Teaching Room at Chancellor’s. This is your chance to make sure the scrubs you’ll be donning for the next three years fit comfortably, so don’t forget!
