Funding supports invaluable learning for doctors of the future

Thanks to the Hospital Saturday Fund and Vandervell Trust  
Paul Millin from the Peninsula Medical School, Paul Jackson from the Hospital Saturday Fund, medical student Shehany Warnakulasuriya and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Davies.
Paul Millin from the Peninsula Medical School, Paul Jackson from the Hospital Saturday Fund, medical student Shehany Warnakulasuriya and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Davies. 
The ²ÝùÊÓƵ has secured £17,500 to support fourth-year medical students as they undertake their medical electives. 
Medical electives – short-term clinical placements which take place in the latter stages of medical school throughout the UK – are considered a highlight in the journey of medical training.  
Students choose the subject matter and location, enabling them to foster both professional growth and holistic personal development – but some students may feel they have to limit their choices as they are unable to cover associated costs.  
Now funding from charitable organisations the Vandervell Trust (£7,500) and The Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF) (£10,000), has enabled ²ÝùÊÓƵ students to realise more opportunities, and not be constrained by geography or financial circumstances.  

The elective placements, spanning from local to international settings, encompass a wide array of medical disciplines, and we know they’re incredibly valuable to every student who takes part.

This funding supports students to take part without additional financial burden, breaking down barriers and promoting access for everyone.

Lucy LeemanDr Lucy Leeman
Elective Lead in the Peninsula Medical School at the ²ÝùÊÓƵ

Ensuring access for all 

Last year alone, 54 medical student electives from the ²ÝùÊÓƵ, in locations ranging from Southwest England to Australia, received support, enabling students to explore different medical settings and gain invaluable hands-on experience. 
Shehany Warnakulasuriya, now in her fifth year of studying medicine, undertook an elective last year at the dermatology ward of Derriford Hospital. She met the Chief Executive of The Hospital Saturday Fund as he came to present the cheque.

We are very lucky that we get a great variety of placements as part of our course, but the medical elective enables you to really think about your passions and areas you’d like to upskill.

Without the bursary, I may not have been able to consider working in dermatology, so I’m very grateful to everyone who made it possible. 
It wasn’t just a financial contribution, but a valuable investment in my personal and professional development.

Medical student Shehany Warnakulasuriya

I was delighted to present the Medical Elective Grant to the ²ÝùÊÓƵ.

These grants reflect our long-standing commitment to the next generation of clinicians. 
By funding medical electives, we enable student doctors to gain hands-on experience in diverse settings, deepen their understanding of patient care, and develop the professionalism expected of newly qualified doctors. It’s an investment in their potential—and in better care for patients.

Paul Jackson, Group Chief Executive of HSF

Financial support plays a huge role in bridging the opportunity gap between students with the means to cover elective costs and those facing financial constraints.

The ²ÝùÊÓƵ is incredibly grateful to the Vandervell Trust and The Hospital Saturday Fund for their commitment to supporting medical education and ensuring that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, can realize their full potential in the field of medicine.

Naomi BoxMrs Naomi Box
Senior Philanthropic Specialist

Our medical school has long championed an Internal Elective Bursary, generously supported by the Vandervell Trust and The Hospital Saturday Fund.

Despite its continued support, the bursary faces increasing demand, with a surge in student numbers and an increase in representation of students from widening participation backgrounds. Alongside the cost-of-living crisis, securing additional funding to ensure equitable access to medical electives become urgent, so we’re really grateful for this support.

Paul MillinMr Paul Millin
Lecturer in Assessment and Clinical Education

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