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How Have New Secondary Headteachers in Scotland Formed and Enacted Role Conceptions of Headship in Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic?
Full text linkFor new headteachers appointed around the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the newly-required duties associated with school leadership were likely to be incompatible with their pre-appointment role conceptions of headship. This paper draws on the findings of a study which sought to: consider if - and, if so, in which way(s) - role conceptions of secondary headship in Scotland have changed due to the pandemic; and identify, describe and understand any supportive factors which allowed inexperienced headteachers to effectively enact these modified role conceptions, and thereby navigate associated flux and uncertainty. The paper explores potential future risks and challenges which may arise as headteachers lead school communities through an uncertain post-pandemic landscape of proposed transformative change. Recommendations which may mitigate these risks and challenges are made at the conclusion. The study - the findings of which form the basis of this paper - utilised a case-study design, involving collection and analysis of qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with three secondary headteachers appointed to roles within the same local authority area around the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, underpins the study
Visual Abstracts
No full textWhat is a visual abstract?
A visual abstract is a novel way of presenting research. It is a small graphic that gives a brief overview of the research question, methods, and conclusions of the project. In essence, it is an eye-catching summary of the research you have carried out.
ere is our first submission, from Grace So.
The Top 5 submissions will win a £20 cash prize, with the winner receiving an even bigger reward!!
What do I need to submit?
Your written abstract (introduction, methods, results, conclusion (250 words))
Your visual abstract
The name of one project supervisor
The date of submission to the competition
Good luck
The Medical Student Journey
No full textEveryone talks about the end goal, becoming a doctor, but not enough is said about the torturous road that gets you there. Through the sleepless nights, plaguing imposter syndrome, friendships forged in lecture halls and hospital corridors, and the small moments that remind you why you chose this career in the first place.
The journey through medical school is anything but linear; there are ups and many downs. It begins with wide-eyed enthusiasm, often mixed with a hefty dose of anxiety. You step into your first lecture hall expecting answers, and instead find more questions. How does anyone remember the Krebs cycle? What is the difference between all these types of shock? Why does every patient in the textbooks seem like a trick question?
As the years pass, the theory builds and gives way to practice. You swap the library for the wards, and textbooks for actual patients. It is a very overwhelming and humbling transition as you realise that the real world does not always follow the textbooks. Through many bedside teaching sessions and countless CAPS sign-offs, you slowly build practical skills on top of the bank of human anatomy knowledge acquired through the first few years.
Throughout all this, there is growth in both knowledge and character as you build both a strong professional and personal portfolio to help your career as a doctor flourish.
Now this journey is not complete without its fair share of setbacks. Exam failures, burnout, self-doubt, or the universal experience of impostor syndrome. These challenges are something every medical student faces at various points in their journey.
This all culminates in the final year, where you complete your final exam and the journey comes to an end, and the next step can truly begin.
Overall, medical school is a journey that prepares you with the skills and knowledge required to be a doctor in both a practical sense and a more personal sense. Through the relationships built and challenges overcome, it is a stepping stone that better prepares you for the journey ahead in the healthcare environment
Life Beyond Medical School
No full textMedicine has a funny way of taking over your life. When I got accepted, I was full of excitement and ambition for the journey ahead. But as the course progressed, I noticed a quiet contradiction—medicine demands so much of you, yet leaves little space for anything else. I found myself losing touch with who I was outside of lectures, placements, and revision. I needed a way to reset—something to manage stress, stay organised, and reclaim some control over my time.
The Start of Something Small
It began with a simple planner I designed for myself—minimal, structured, and low-pressure. It helped, and the process of creating it became an outlet. Soon, I was making more products, sharing them with friends and family, then selling online and at local markets. La Vida Facil, my small stationery brand, was born.
Learning Outside the Lecture Hall
Running a small business while studying medicine isn’t easy, but it taught me more than I expected. I learned to manage time more efficiently, communicate with suppliers and customers, solve logistical problems, and develop digital marketing skills. These are transferable skills that I know will serve me throughout my medical career, especially in a healthcare system that increasingly values innovation and adaptability.
There’s also a financial upside. The hidden costs of studying medicine—from travel to placements to exam fees—add up. This side hustle helps fill the gaps.
More than anything, it became a form of self-care. Designing products, packing orders, and connecting with customers offered a creative space that helped balance the pressure of clinical life.
The Value of a Plan B
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at medical school so far. But I’ve also learned the importance of having something else—something that reminds me that I’m more than just this degree. While La Vida Facil will likely remain as a passion project, it’s taught me that having a side hustle isn’t necessarily a distraction in the negative sense. And who knows? If the medicine gig doesn’t work out, I might just have a future running a very organised little stationery store.
You can check out La Vida Facil on Etsy or follow along at @lavidafacil_
Meet the New President of MedChir
No full textFreshers – Welcome to Glasgow, welcome to Medical School and a warm welcome to MedChir!
“Getting into medical school is the hardest part, after that it’s so chill” is unfortunately the biggest lie in history! It’s a challenging degree but it’ll empower you and give you the greatest appreciation for this career & your impact on others. It’ll be the best and worst moments of your life so far, where you’ll meet your best friends, your future partners, and the greater medical community that you’ll be a part of for the rest of your life.
There’s a famous reputation about medical students, that we work hard and party the hardest – that’s where MedChir comes in, to support every cram and every pint. Founded in 1802, we’re one of the oldest societies in Scotland – hosting esteemed educational events alongside equally esteemed – hopefully – social events on Thursdays, famously with free pints! (For my fellow beer haters, free pints of cider too don’t worry!). MedChir will fill your social calendar with our famous traditions and events where general Uni life can’t.
We’re starting the year strong with our Freshers\u27 event – where we’ll host our elections for First Year Reps – which myself & Innes both were! Free pints, new friends, good times, and afters at HIVE! Later, we have the Freshers\u27 Ceilidh! If you’re not Scottish, I assure you come and experience the culture, it’s a good time!
Medic Families, one of the biggest and busiest nights in the Union, is a must-do. We’ll sort you with parents and grandparents after you fill a wee form, and you’ll get some gentle-parenting - or not. You’ll get your bibs n\u27 binkies and meet people in the years above who can become great mentors and friends!
Semester one concludes with our fast selling-out Annual MedChir Ball, as well as SNIMS (Scottish & Northern Irish Medical Students Sports Tournament), which is basically a B-Rate Goblet of Fire. Fifteen hundred medical students gather in a city – this year Dundee – for two night-outs and a sports tournament (my personal favourite event). You need to be on a medic sports team to join so get browsing at which medic sport society is for you!
A final note, please make the most of first year! In two or twenty years we want you to look back and have the fondest memories of good times and antics with friends where possible. And if the constant mention of parties is dissuading any of our fellow non-drinking freshers, I want to assure you we facilitate alcohol-free fun and disapprove of peer pressure or judgement at every event from Freshers to the Ball.
We can’t wait to meet you!
Welcome to Glasgow, Fàilte gu Glaschu and گلاسگو میں آگئے ہیں مبارک!
Rohaid Riaz
President of MedChir 2025-202
Emergency Department Cubicle 2b
Full text linkLaura Webb is a resident doctor who enjoys the eclectic nature of working in the Emergency Department. Since starting an MA at the Poetry School/Newcastle University, she has been intrigued by the parallels between visual poems and medical casenotes, prompting this exploration of how pathophysiology might translate into poetic form
Introducing PhysiOdyssey
Full text linkThis editorial introduces the creative and educational motivations behind PhysiOdyssey. It is written by Katherine Price and Shona McQuilken. With varied creative interests, they are committed to supporting others in exploring the unexpected intersections between science and storytelling