North Wales Medical School has successfully launched Schwartz Rounds, creating a dedicated space for students to reflect on the emotional and human side of healthcare. Delivered with the support of the Bangor Fund, this initiative is already contributing to student learning, wellbeing, and professional development.
Schwartz Rounds are internationally recognised forums focusing on the emotional and relational aspects of care through storytelling and facilitated discussion. Unlike traditional teaching, they provide a psychologically safe environment where students can explore compassion, communication, and resilience.
The inaugural Round, themed “What Do You Say? Communicating in Difficult Moments,” brought together 73 Year 2 medical students alongside clinicians and senior students who shared personal stories. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 94% rating the session as excellent or exceptional and 91% supporting integration into the curriculum.
Dr. Nia Jones, Senior Lecturer / Dean of Medicine, who facilitated the session, said:
We were delighted to receive funding from the Bangor Fund to introduce Schwartz Rounds to the University, and to successfully deliver the first session to our Year 2 medical students. It was incredibly rewarding to facilitate a Schwartz Round with such an engaged and receptive group, who embraced the opportunity to reflect on the human side of healthcare. This is an exciting first step, and we look forward to expanding Schwartz Rounds across the University, creating further opportunities for students and staff to come together, share experiences, and foster a culture of compassion, reflection, and wellbeing.
Schwartz Rounds are set to become a cornerstone of medical education at Bangor University, fostering connection at the heart of learning.
The Bangor Fund is made up of alumni donations, administered by the Development and Alumni Relations Office, with the primary purpose of providing an element of additionality to the student experience.
