Cumbria's first medical students start their journey

A first of its kind graduate-entry collaboration between the University of Cumbria and Imperial College London sees the launch of the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine (PCSM) this week. Located at the University of Cumbria Fusehill Street campus in Carlisle, the School has already welcomed nearly 60 pupils.

The new medical school is a pioneering initiative, developed with philanthropic investment from the Pears Foundation, and is designed to address the chronic shortage of doctors in Cumbria. With a bespoke curriculum focused on prevention, digital innovation and community-based care, PCSM is designed to train doctors where they are most needed, right here in Cumbria.

For years, Cumbria has faced critical health inequalities, with staffing levels across the care pathway significantly below national average. Life expectancy varies by almost 20 years between the poorest and wealthiest wards in the county, and 68% of adults are overweight or obese. Hospital admissions linked to alcohol are significantly higher than national averages, with rates of 650 per 100,000 people in Cumbria compared to 571 nationally.

"The figures show just how Cumbria needs doctors who are trained with an understanding of the unique challenges our communities face," said Professor Mary Morrell, Head of the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine. "PCSM is a taking a bold new approach; it has a regional focus and a bespoke curriculum, focused on prevention and innovation. As the School develops, it will target the use of large data models and AI to prepare students for practice using digital technology. We are proud to be working alongside our clinical colleagues to bring meaningful change to the people of Cumbria."

While the medical school is based in Carlisle, the University of Cumbria’s broader commitment to regional health and education is reflected in its recent expansion of a new campus in Barrow-in-Furness. This development supports its mission to deliver place-based education across the county.

Professor Brian Webster Henderson OBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Cumbria said: "The creation of the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine represents a transformative moment for Cumbria. It exemplifies our commitment to place-based education and to addressing the real-world challenges faced by our communities. We are proud to be working with Imperial College London, the Pears Foundation and our partners to deliver a medical school that will change lives and improve health outcomes across the region."