The University of Plymouth has run a summer school for medical students whose studies have been interrupted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Seven students from regions around the country, including Kharkiv, visited the University to gain hands-on experience in areas such as clinical and communication skills, ultrasound, anatomy and patient safety, using the state-of-the-art technology available on its campuses and at the Plymouth Science Park. 

They also visited University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHPNT) and the Nuffield Health Hospital in Plymouth.

Taking place over three weeks, the summer school also saw students visit local landmarks and attractions. Students around Ukraine have seen their education disrupted, with medical students particularly missing the continuity of study and lack of clinical experience, in addition to experiencing personal tragedy.

The summer school was the brainchild of Professor Hisham Khalil, Lead for Internationalisation in the University’s Peninsula Medical School and Consultant at UHPNT. The programme was designed to give students exposure to techniques that they may not have experienced since the war began.