MEET THE STUDENTS

Ayesha Irfan Syeda

"This project fundamentally reshaped the way I understand mental health and the people behind the diagnoses. What began as an exploration of patient expression at the Bethlem Museum became a deeper reflection on what is shared, what is silenced, and why. We came to see that while some symptoms (like anxiety or low mood) are easier to discuss, others remain hidden beneath layers of stigma, fear, and misunderstanding.

Our creative piece reflects that reality: its outer layers represent what feels socially acceptable to disclose; its deeper, darker layers reveal the more private, often more painful struggles that are rarely voiced. Working closely with patients, the community, and each other, we were challenged to confront our own assumptions and think more critically about what true person-centred care requires.

This experience has taught me that being a future doctor means more than diagnosing or treating - it means listening with humility, recognising silence as a symptom, and creating a space where people feel safe enough to speak their truths. It deepened my empathy, sharpened my awareness of structural and cultural barriers, and strengthened my commitment to practising medicine with compassion, curiosity, and respect. I now carry forward a clearer understanding: that healing begins not only with clinical skill, but with genuine human connection."

Max Powell

"Through our Clinical Humanities project, I've come to understand that truly caring for a person means looking beyond their diagnosis — to their mind, their environment, and the communities that sustain them. This perspective has reshaped how I understand medicine, grounding it in empathy, understanding, and respect for the whole person. Over the course of this year, my appreciation for the role of community medicine — and the power of listening, noticing, and being present — has deepened. It has reminded me that compassionate care is not supplemental, but foundational. This is a lesson, above all, that I will carry with me."

Mari Baker

"The GP group project provided a unique and enriching opportunity to blend clinical learning with creativity, through the lens of clinical humanities. It enabled me to meaningfully engage with the diverse patient population at my GP practice. Working within a team, the project enabled us to transform patients’ stories and experiences into an artistic and impactful conduit for raising awareness of a complex public health issue."