University of St. Andrews ScotGEM - thank you Lily and James!

Last autumn Lily and James from the University of St Andrews joined us at Fife Centre for Equalities for their ScotGEM student placement.  

The ScotGEM (Scottish Graduate Entry Medicine) programme is a unique four-year graduate-entry medical degree jointly offered by the University of St Andrews and the University of Dundee. It is specifically designed to develop doctors with a strong interest in general medicine, particularly in rural and underserved areas of Scotland. The programme has strong emphasis on community-based learning, healthcare improvement, and rural medicine to meet the evolving needs of the NHS in Scotland. 

A distinctive feature of ScotGEM is its focus on leadership and healthcare improvement through the “Agents of Change” project, which encourages students to actively contribute to improving our healthcare services. This component trains students to lead quality improvement (QI) initiatives, often in partnership with local charities, healthcare providers, and community organisations.  

James and Lily’s strong interest in inclusive practice meant they chose to take up their placement with Fife Centre for Equalities. Both students were keen to explore and better understand the barriers that marginalised communities face when accessing health and other support. They discovered how our partnership work with local organisations, community groups and local initiatives can improve the health and wider outcomes for the people in Fife. At the end of their placement our students created posters to showcase their learning and how the placement benefited their student journey and will influence their future professional practice. 

On 20 May 2025 we were invited at the ScotGEM Agents of Change Event held at the School of Medicine, University of St Andrews. The event brought together ScotGEM students, third-sector organisations, NHS partners, and academic staff to showcase the students’ learning and growth through student presentations, poster sessions, and networking opportunities. The gathering not only celebrated the students’ achievements but also strengthened the ties between the medical school and the wider community, reinforcing ScotGEM’s mission to produce doctors who are both clinically skilled and socially responsive. 

Good luck to Lily and James - we hope to see you again at our future Get Togethers.

Interested in a placement with us? Let us know by getting in touch with us at info@centreforequalities.org.uk, calling 01592 645310, text on 07800 005834 or write to us at Fife Centre for Equalities, New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy KY1 1XT.