About

The Undergraduate Centre

The Dudley Group was first recognised as a Teaching Trust in March 2001, when our first Clinical Sub Dean, Mr Ron Grimley, was appointed to the post. He worked tirelessly to gain our teaching status and he was an enthusiastic educationalist and inspiring teacher, with a special heart for undergraduate medical students.

"The Ron Grimley Centre for Undergraduate Medical Studies" was first opened to our medical students in August 2005, providing them with a specialised centre here at the Trust. On March 14th 2006, the centre was officially opened by Professor William Doe (Dean of The Birmingham Medical School). The new centre was named in honour of the late Ron Grimley as a tribute to his work and commitment to medical education.

Our Head of Academy

Mr Atiq-ur Rehman, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, was appointed as Head of Clinical Teaching Academy in 2010 following his initial appointment as Clinical Sub Dean for Russells Hall Hospital, and worked as Mr Grimley's junior at various stages of his career. Like his predecessor, he has also worked tirelessly to deliver high quality undergraduate education in the organisation, and now remains determined to implement the new MBChB 2014 curriculum for the College of Medical & Dental Sciences.

Our Students

We currently have around 130 Birmingham undergraduate medical students at any one time in the Trust. The majority of these are clinical placements in 3rd, 4th and 5th years, but we also support 2nd year students on their 'Hospital Preparation course'. The Trust also has a number of students from other disciplines and medical schools (although they are not based at the undergraduate centre). We use a wide variety of teaching methods, including traditional lectures, seminars, study days, bedside teaching and simulation sessions. Our students also have access to a fully equipped clinical skills lab and medical library.

In addition to the undergraduate teaching here at the Trust, we also host and administer 5th year OSCE Exams as the regional centre for Birmingham Medical School.

Our Facilities

The Centre is managed by the Teaching Academy and Medical Education Manager, Barbara White, who works across both postgraduate and undergraduate medical education.

The Centre comprises of:

  • Three air conditioned seminar rooms: Each has audio-visual technology, x-ray light boxes, examination benches and hand washing facilities. In addition, one seminar room has video conferencing facilities for viewing live images from theatre 3 and one with a large touch screen. Two can also be opened together to make one large lecture room.
  • 3 on-call rooms for students staying overnight as part of their training: Each room has an en-suite shower and toilet, and are stocked with coffee and tea making supplies.
  • Common Room: Complete with TV, vending machine, microwave and tea / coffee making facilities.
  • IT room with internet access: This room also has a full presentation screen available if computers are required as part of a teaching session.
  • Reception & offices (open from 8.30-4.30 each day), and locker room accommodation (open 24/7 via swipe card).