06th May 2026
Medics Spring Term Update 2026
The Spring term has been another busy and productive period for medics, with a wide range of enrichment activities taking place.
BHASVIC Medical Journal
Congratulations to Joni Paisley, Alex Kennedy and Emanuele Samuel for successfully coordinating the third edition of the student-led BHASVIC Medical Journal. This edition showcases an excellent standard of student writing, and thanks are extended to all contributors for their engaging and thoughtful articles. Read more here: BHASVIC Medical Journal
Stanford Infant School Outreach
In March, six A1 students, Fray Cox, Jermaine Ustare, Taiwo Adepoju, Hayley Chappell, Adithi Arun Prasath and Evie Albu, visited Stanford Infant School to deliver talks to Year 1 and Year 2 pupils ahead of Science Week. The sessions aimed to inspire younger students by introducing them to pathways into science and were very well received.
Resuscitation Workshop
We were pleased to welcome Dr Pete Westhead (Consultant Anaesthetist and Clinical Director of the Sussex Trauma Network), alongside David Bowen (former National Clinical Lead for Resuscitation at St John Ambulance) and two BSMS graduates, for a dynamic resuscitation workshop in April. Students developed essential life-saving skills in an engaging and practical learning environment.
Cardiology Careers Visit
In April, 25 students participated in a visit to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, organised by Dr Rebecca Godfrey, Cardiology Registrar. The day included informative talks from a multidisciplinary team, including a cardiology doctor, a nurse, a physiologist and a radiographer. Students gained valuable insight into both careers in cardiology and the collaborative nature of MDT working.
Suturing Workshops
In February, the BSMS Suturing Society delivered a highly successful hands-on suturing workshop for 40 students. Due to strong demand, the society will return in May to run a further session. Students were introduced to key techniques, including instrument handling, simple interrupted sutures, and vertical and horizontal mattress suturing.
Virtual Reality Learning
A2 students had the opportunity to engage with virtual reality technology in March, using a simulation titled Navigating Angry Conversations with Patients. Developed by Bodyswaps in collaboration with the Royal Society of Medicine, the module supported students in developing communication and interpersonal skills critical for effective patient care.
Staff Farewell
This year, we say a fond farewell to one of our Medical Tutors, Jacquie Punter, who is retiring after many years as a medical tutor at BHASVIC. Jacquie has supported countless students in achieving their ambitions of entering medical professions, and her energy, enthusiasm and sense of humour will be greatly missed.
Dr Adam Pickard, a BHASVIC Alumnus, returned in November to support A2 students with MMI interview preparation and shared the following reflection:
“I have been a doctor for eight years now, and I very much doubt I would be where I am today if it weren’t for Jacquie. I will always be grateful for all the time she put into helping me (and so many others) pursue the career that I now cannot imagine myself not doing. I am one of the lucky many who owes her a great deal. Wishing you a very happy retirement, Jacquie.”
