North Wales Medical School marks one year since launch of Medicine programme
It is one year since the launch of the Medicine programme at the North Wales Medical School at Bangor University, marking an important milestone in expanding healthcare training and provision across the region. In its first year, the School welcomed its inaugural cohort of medical students, who are the first to undertake their full medical training in North Wales.
This academic year, a further 99 students have joined the North Wales Medical School to start their medical training. The year also saw the launch of a Gateway to Medicine course, designed to widen participation for Wales-domiciled students who may not have met standard entry criteria but aspire to study medicine. In addition, the School has expanded its healthcare provision with the arrival of its first cohort of Pharmacy students.
The School continues to play a key role in addressing the healthcare needs of North Wales, embedding students within local communities to gain vital clinical experience. By training students locally and supporting bilingual education through initiatives such as the ‘More than Words – Welsh as a Clinical Skill’ course, the School is helping to ensure graduates are prepared to serve the diverse needs of the population.
Dr Nia Jones, Dean of Medicine, said, “Over the past year, we have embarked on a journey to transform medical education in the region, welcoming our first students and building strong partnerships with colleagues across healthcare and higher education. Together, we are shaping not only the future of medical training but also the future of healthcare for the people of North Wales. As we look ahead, our commitment remains clear – to excellence, inclusivity, and supporting the communities we serve.”
Second-year students are already seeing the benefits of studying close to home and reflecting on what the North Wales Medical School means to them and their future careers. Their voices highlight not only the impact of the School on their own journeys into medicine, but also its wider role in shaping the future of healthcare in the region.
Enlli Pritchard from Gwynedd, said, "My first year at North Wales Medical School has been nothing short of amazing, it feels like one big family. There is a strong sense of belonging here, I feel genuinely valued, supported and looked after. The medical school is intertwined with the local community, and that connection not only enriches our own learning but also helps widen access to medicine. I am grateful to all our lecturers, clinical and supporting staff for fostering such an encouraging environment. There is nowhere else I would rather study medicine"
Mustafa Al-Bazooni from Manchester, said, “North Wales Medical School feels like home. The constant support from all the professors and staff has been unbelievable and the small-sized cohorts make for a close-knit community where studying medicine truly is a dream come true. Lecturers and other staff always go above and beyond to help us both in our academic and our personal lives shaping us to become the best future doctors we can be."
Erin Thomas from Conwy, said, “When I heard that a medical school was opening in North Wales, I was thrilled. It meant I could pursue my studies while staying rooted in my local community. Since joining, the experience has been incredible. The staff are always open to student feedback, the clinical facilities are welcoming, and the local GPs and nurses who support us are so encouraging. I feel really fortunate to be training here.”
The North Wales Medical School continues to work in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Cardiff University, Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), and the Welsh Government to deliver world-class medical education and research. Intake numbers will continue to rise steadily, reaching 140 students annually by 2029–30
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles said, "The North Wales Medical School demonstrates our strong commitment to training the next generation of healthcare professionals in Wales.
“Over the last 12 months, we've seen the transformative impact of providing world-class medical education in North Wales, ensuring students develop not only excellent clinical skills but a deep understanding of the unique needs of Welsh patients.”
Dyfed Edwards, chair of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said, "The North Wales Medical School represents a turning point for our region. By training doctors and other healthcare professionals here in North Wales, we are investing directly in the future of our communities. This partnership with Bangor University is already making a real difference, giving students the opportunity to train and learn close to home and supporting the development of skilled, compassionate clinicians who will care for our population for years to come."
Dr Nia Jones reflects on the first year here.