The first cohort of medical students studying at Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS), which opened its doors in 2020, have started their placements at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) is providing clinical placements for medical students at KMMS, a collaboration between the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, which attracts talented students from all backgrounds, from the local community and beyond. Once fully established, the new medical school will place 120 additional medical students with the Trust each year, alongside students from King’s College London and St George’s, University of London.

The 31 medical students joining the Trust for their placements are in their third year of a five-year course and are due to graduate in 2025. Their placements will see them participate in hands-on learning across the Trust’s hospitals in a range of medical and surgical specialties, whilst also caring for patients.

A team of experienced doctors, led by MTW’s Director of Undergraduate Medical Education Dr Pamela Leventis, have created an extensive programme for the students. Their placements consist of two 15 week blocks across both hospital sites at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells. They also undertake a module in the care of the elderly.

The medical students were welcomed at the start of their induction week by Dr Peter Maskell, the Trust’s Medical Director, who said:

“We are delighted to welcome the new medical students to Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. Our sites are teaching hospitals for all of our staff, including doctors, and it’s vital that we provide excellent training and support during placements, working alongside our experienced clinical teams. This is a crucial part of our vision to help train and retain doctors in Kent, providing an essential boost, not only to local healthcare but also towards the future resilience of the NHS.”

KMMS student Hannah Bolton said: “We have received the warmest welcome this week to our first hospital placement at MTW. We feel very lucky to be so looked after by so many people, and are excited for all that is in store for us.”