New Head of Undergraduate Medicine talks about her role

Miss Jenny Higham discusses her new responsibilities - News

By Laura Gallagher
Monday 6 November 2006

The Faculty of Medicine has welcomed a new Head of Undergraduate Medicine this term, with Miss Jenny Higham  taking over from Professor John MacDermot . In this role, Miss Higham is now the lead academic for Imperial's undergraduate medicine programme and is responsible for developing and implementing the Faculty's strategy in this area. She will oversee areas such as the curriculum and its delivery; the selection of students; and the provision of student pastoral care and welfare support.

Miss Higham is a Reader in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Division of Surgery, Oncology, Reproductive Biology and Anaesthetics. She brings to the role her previous experience as Head of Examinations and Assessment for the MB BS, BSc course. We asked Miss Higham how she felt about her new responsibilities.

What are you most looking forward to about your new role?

"I am delighted to have been appointed to this post and look forward to the challenges it will bring. Having held a variety of posts important to the MB BS, BSc course at Imperial, I already feel well informed of the issues and challenges ahead.

"It is an exciting time to be appointed – as the school of medicine celebrates a successful first 10 years, we have also started a new degree in Biomedical science and have a bid with the GMC to start a new graduate entry programme."

What challenges do you anticipate?

"There are exciting developments in progress, for example developing web-based information that will allow students interactive access to their teaching materials at any time and point in the course. The quality of both staff and students at Imperial are a continual stimulus and always keep life interesting!

"On a personal level I will be juggling my clinical practice as a gynaecologist based at St Mary's Hospital with this new leadership role. This will keep me grounded in the realities of being a clinical teacher and no doubt the students attending my clinics will provide valuable informal feedback!"

Based on your own experiences in medicine, what advice would you give to medical students starting their course this year?

"On graduation our students are entering a medical profession undergoing enormous change, with the introduction of government-led new Foundation programmes and Modernising Medical Careers initiatives. Students need to be knowledgeable, flexible and well prepared for the challenges ahead and it is my job to ensure this."