Our next staff Kent Diamond is Lizzie Holland. Lizzie is responsible for co-ordinating the voluntary Patient Engagement programme at Kent and Medway Medical School and supports a wide range of charities in the local community. Hear from Lizzie:
“My name is Lizzie Holland. I’ve always enjoyed working in community facing roles where I can make a difference to the lives of others, and bring my passion for creativity, experiential learning and wellbeing. In 2022 I began working at the first medical school to be set up in the region, Kent and Medway Medical School; where we are training future doctors to deliver person-centred care, and fulfilling the vision to be a beacon for first-class medical education and research.”
Tell us about your role at Kent and how you make an impact.
“As the Patient Engagement Coordinator & Time for Dementia Administrator my role involves working collaboratively with academics to embed the patient and carer voice into the Curriculum and Assessment programmes. I engage with local partners, organisations and a team of volunteer Patient Educators, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience into the school, making the learning experience for our students a dynamic and interactive process. Patient Engagement activities such as hearing a patient/carer speak about their lived experiences, simulated consultations and practising examination skills with patients; facilitates opportunities for developing empathy, compassion and communication skills for our students’ clinical practice.”
Tell us about setting up and co-ordinating the voluntary Patient Engagement programme at KMMS and also your work with the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy and Tizard Centre.
“Our voluntary Patient Engagement programme has been running for over 3 years now; I worked with the academic lead for Patient Engagement to bring this programme to life. It’s been a rewarding and inspiring experience getting to meet people in our local communities from diverse backgrounds, to help shape the medical education of our students. I’ve very much enjoyed the challenge to make this a successful and fruitful resource for the school. Collaborating with two places of excellence here on site, the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy and the Tizard Centre, has further enriched the experiences our students have whilst studying with us.”
What are some of your favourite things about the University?
“Discovering a new passion for tennis through attending ALL Active + sessions at the Tennis Centre has become one of my favourite things! I love stepping onto the court each week to let off some steam, and have amazing fun whilst getting fit, and spending time with some fantastic colleagues, alumni and students.
Kent Community Oasis Garden is a special haven where you can enjoy the stunning natural environment that we are blessed with here on campus. When I’ve volunteered there, I’ve found digging, planting and harvesting to be a therapeutic experience, I highly recommend it to all!
The Gulbenkian Arts Centre hosts creative live events for a variety of tastes, I think it’s another great treasure to value at Kent.”
Who helps make the Kent community special for you?
“The people who you don’t always see, the staff who work hard to ensure that the site, both inside and out, is clean, safe and beautiful for us all to enjoy.
My Curriculum and Assessment team, I’m very grateful to work in a team with people who care about each other and pull together to make our programmes a success!”
What advice would you give to current Kent and KMMS students?
“Challenge yourself to try new things, talk to new people, be physically active, and give yourself space in your schedule to do things that bring you joy and peace; it will really help you in your studies and overall life and wellbeing!
The Kent Diamonds campaign recognises the students, staff and alumni that make Kent shine. Learn more about our Kent Diamonds and our other 60th Diamond Anniversary celebrations.