10th April 2012

Glamorgan graduate wins BMA Cymru Wales award

Read full article here April 4, 2012, University of Glamorgan News

British Medical Association Cymru Wales’ Sherman Foundation Fund has awarded a prize to a University of Glamorgan graduate to help her pursue her dream of being a doctor.

The Sherman Fund was established by the British Medical Association (BMA) in Wales to promote the advancement of research and education in medicine in Wales.

Dr Bryn John, Chairman of the Sherman Foundation Fund Committee said: “I very much welcome the decision to award the Sherman Prize for Widening Access to Medicine to Carla Teisar. She is an inspiration to others and a student who well deserves to become a doctor. We are pleased that we can help her along her way.”

31-year-old Ms Teisar was born in Bridgend, educated in a Cardiff comprehensive, and now lives in Llanharan.

She worked in a variety of office jobs before deciding to return to education and join the Heath Foundation Course at the University of Glamorgan, graduating to the BSc Medical Sciences programme.

Having qualified with a BSc degree, she has now joined the second year of the medical course at Cardiff University.

The University of Glamorgan course is recognised as a graduate feeder scheme for entry into a medical degree course.

This prize recognises a person who has, in the opinion of the adjudicators, achieved the most in the face of adversity (for example ill health, social and financial challenges) or achieved academic success despite limited primary and secondary education.

The Sherman Foundation Fund Committee of the Welsh Council of BMA Cymru Wales collaborated closely with the University of Glamorgan and Cardiff University in awarding this prize.

Professor Donna Mead OBE, Dean of the Faculty of Health, Sport and Science at the University of Glamorgan said: “We are extremely proud of Carla, whose academic achievement and attitude towards her studies are an inspiration to anyone who wishes to study medicine.

“Through the example set by Carla’s hard work and determination and the collaboration of all the stakeholders in the BSc Medical Sciences programme including the University of Glamorgan, University of Cardiff, BMA Cymru Wales, Cwm Taf Health Board and the Sherman Committee, we hope that people from all walks of life will take up the challenge of pursuing a career in medicine in Wales.”

The Welsh Government encourages entry into medicine of less advantaged people and BMA Cymru Wales believes that this new initiative by the Sherman Foundation Fund Committee will further this aim and widen the means of entry to medical degrees in Wales.

The Chief Medical Officer at the Welsh Government, Dr Tony Jewell, said: “I congratulate Ms Teisar on winning this award. The Welsh Government want to extend access to medical education and the University of Glamorgan course enables local students who are committed to this goal to have an opportunity. Ms Teisar is a great example for others to follow”.