EMMA Harper has announced her pride in the success of the ScotGEM programme as the first students have graduated.
The Scottish Graduate Entry to Medicine is a government-funded course open to students who have graduated with a primary degree other than medicine.
ScotGEM is Scotland’s first graduate-entry level medicine course, allowing students to experience general practice and guaranteeing one year of service in the NHS.
The first cohort of students from Dumfries and Galloway have now graduated, and this has been welcomed in the Scottish Parliament.
Commenting, Ms Harper said: “I have highlighted the fantastic success of the ScotGEM programme in the Scottish Parliament to recognise its importance in encouraging people to work rural medicine.
“I congratulate the first cohort of student doctors in completing their ScotGEM course in Dumfries and Galloway and I thank Dr Fiona Graham, director of medical education with the NHS, for her responsibility for the ScotGEM course and for her work in ensuring its smooth operation.
“ScotGEM gives graduates the opportunity to convert to medicine, regardless of their original degree.
“There is a focus on GP and rural working – giving students the chance to experience these rewarding career paths.
“And the £16,000 bursary available over the four years also makes it an accessible option. I wish all the very best for the future.”
