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Celebrating Warwick's first graduates

Doctors graduating from the University of Warwick this summer were the first to receive degrees from the newly-independent Warwick Medical School. At the graduation ceremony on Monday 16 July, 149 MB ChB graduates were handed Warwick Medical School degrees, marking the end of the School’s formal partnership with Leicester Medical School. 

Warwick joined forces with the already existing Leicester Medical School in 2000, and in 2002 Leicester Warwick Medical Schools was formed. Following an intensive period of assessment last year by the General Medical Council, Warwick was formally recommended to receive independent degree-awarding status. This was formally confirmed on 2 May 2007 when the Medical Act was amended and the Queen was present at the Privy Council.  

Dean of Warwick Medical School, Professor Yvonne Carter said she was particularly proud of this year’s graduates. She said: “This cohort of students started at Warwick Medical School when I took up a new post at the School, initially as Vice Dean in September 2003 and Dean the following year, so I have been with them every step of the way. I am delighted that Warwick has been awarded independent degree-awarding status and I am grateful to all staff for the part they have played in making this happen. We will continue to support our graduates as alumni and we will watch their careers blossom with interest.” 

Warwick is already the largest graduate-entry Medical School in the UK with an intake of 178 graduates from both the UK and abroad each year. Around 70 per cent of students stay in the region after graduation. Many will complete their foundation years at local hospitals including University Hospital in Coventry, Warwick Hospital and George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton.