University of Sunderland given green light for new medical school

Sunderland is on the verge of getting its first school of medicine after the General Medical Council (GMC) reviewed preparations being made at the University.

The GMC is the public body that maintains the official register of medical practitioners in the UK. Their visit comes as final plans are put in place ahead of September’s official opening.

Sunderland was one of only five new medical schools to be announced in England last year.

The school has been granted to the city as part of wider efforts to address the regional imbalance of medical education and to widen access so that the medical profession reflects the community it serves.

Following the GMC visit on May 31, the medical school is on track to welcome its first medical students this September.

Professor Scott Wilkes, head of school of medicine and professor of general practice and primary care at the university, said: “We are now in a multi-year GMC process to quality assure the development of our new medical school.

“It’s testament to the hard work put in by the entire medical school team that we received the following comments on areas that areas that are working well.

“I feel honoured to lead such a strong and capable team who are dedicated to our medical school including our staff from hospital trusts, GP practices and university services.

“We are not complacent and continue to focus upon the areas for development to ensure that we are among the best at delivering medical education and living up to our mission ‘to graduate socially responsible doctors who meet the needs of society and improve lives’.”