West Bank to Dundee: Leader of summer programme wins special social impact award

The leader of a University of Dundee School of Medicine initiative which brought fourteen medical students from the American Arab University (AAUP) in the West Bank to Scotland has won a Dundee Difference Award for its social impact. 

Over the summer months in 2024, Dr David Russell led a summer knowledge exchange programme, which at times appeared impossible. 

This was the School of Medicine’s second year organising, David and colleagues faced a very complex challenge. Geopolitical tensions made planning incredibly difficult and visa applications were markedly arduous to navigate. 

The lucky students greenlit for international travel endured many hours on all modes of transport, only six made it in time for week one – the rest arrived for week two. Despite this, the initiative provided students of all faiths with a unique opportunity to develop their clinical skills and gain confidence learning from Dundee’s expert educators. 

Now, the special initiative has been recognised for its positive social impact, Dr David Russell awarded a ‘Dundee Difference Award’ by the University. 

Dr Russell, Director of International Development and School Partnerships, said, “This project is a fantastic example of how universities can break down barriers and build lasting connections through education. The impact on the students, both here and in the West Bank, has been profound.

“Students across both years still message me to this day, grateful for the opportunity provided here. I have no doubt they will continue their journey in becoming competent and confident doctors and clinicians.

“I’d like to thank all colleagues across the School of Medicine, wider University, AAUP and IMET2000 - the charity which supports medical training within countries challenged by difficult circumstances - for their dedication and generosity. Many gave up their time to make sure this programme was a success.”

Professor Malik Zaben, Dean of Medicine at the American Arab University, praised the experience, “I am delighted to learn that our joint summer programme with Dundee School of Medicine for our third-year medical students has been awarded a Dundee Difference Award for Outstanding Social Impact. 

“This is such an amazing opportunity, not only for collaboration and shared learning between students and staff, but also to foster a sense of unity among future healthcare professionals and provide them with rich environments shaping them as well-rounded global doctors.”   

The programme gave students from the West Bank based University a fortnight to study in Dundee and gain valuable medical experiences. The initiative covered ethics, examination, communication, surgical skills and used Dundee’s advanced simulation equipment to build confidence within clinical settings. 

Many of the students had never been outside the West Bank before and spoke about how eye-opening the experience was. Several highlighted the stark differences between healthcare access in Dundee compared to their hometowns, where resources can be limited.

The programme also provided opportunities for cultural exchange beyond medicine. Students were welcomed into Dundee’s community, experiencing local traditions and building friendships that organisers hope will last well beyond the project itself.

Plans are underway to run the initiative again next year, despite uncertainty around international travel and geopolitics. David and fellow organisers remain committed to ensuring that future cohorts of medical students of all backgrounds can benefit from the opportunity.

You can learn more about the summer exchange programme of 2024 from the video on this page.

The School of Medicine earned eight Dundee Difference Awards this year, out of a possible twenty-seven. Below is a full list of the school’s winners. 

• Outstanding Team of the Year – Culture and Performance Committee
• Outstanding Team of the Year – Early Dispute Resolution/Mediation Team
• Outstanding Team of the Year – The Respiratory Research Group
• Social Impact Award – David Russell
• Social Impact Award – Jordan Napier-Morrow
• Inspiring Colleague Award – Gordon Milligan
• Inspiring Colleague Award – Stephen Bruce
• Positive Impact Award – Health Informatics Centre Social Committee
• Positive Impact Award – MBChB Professional Services & Academic Team