Our second day of lectures brought a change of scenery as we visited the City South campus of Birmingham City University for the first time. Although we were only shifting locations, the fresh environment brought new energy – and a full day of powerful, engaging sessions that expanded our understanding of healthcare disparities, nursing, and public health from multiple perspectives.
The day kicked off with an insightful lecture on public health by Alicia Lashley, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Many of us have been working on presentations related to healthcare disparities, and her session provided a deeper understanding of key public health frameworks, along with the systemic issues that promote health inequalities. What stood out most to me was Alicia’s teaching style – she kept it very interactive, encouraging questions and discussions throughout. This really helped connect the dots between the discussion and real-world application, making it easier for us to generate ideas and refine our focus for upcoming presentations. It wasn’t just a lecture; it felt more like a collaborative exploration of how public health functions on both policy and community levels.
Following that, we had a powerful and emotional presentation on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), also known as Female Genital Cutting (FGC), delivered by Jama Egal. This topic is difficult, but Jama approached it with sensitivity and purpose. She not only explained the cultural, social, and health implications of FGM/FGC, but also emphasized the importance of education, advocacy, and culturally competent care when supporting affected individuals. The presentation challenged many of us to think critically about how healthcare systems – and we as future professionals – can support vulnerable populations who might be dealing with trauma or systemic neglect. It was a heavy subject, but a necessary one, and I left that session with a much deeper appreciation for the importance of addressing health issues that are often underrepresented in mainstream medical education.
In the afternoon, we shifted gears with a presentation on mental health nursing from Jonathan Gadsby, Takesha Sam, and Haley Cordell. Each of them brought a unique perspective to the field, making the session diverse and engaging. What really resonated with me was how Jonathan Gadsby connected mental health issues to historical contexts in the UK. He didn’t just give us facts – he offered a narrative that helped us understand how historical attitudes and policies have shaped the current mental health landscape. I loved this historical point of view because it reminded me that healthcare is never practiced in one way; it’s always influenced by culture, politics, and history. Takesha and Haley also shared real-world insights that helped humanize the challenges faced in mental health nursing today. It was an eye-opening session that reinforced the need for empathy, awareness, and continued advocacy in the field.
To end the day on a high note, we had an engaging and heartfelt session on HIV and sexual health with Andrea Driver-Williams. From the very beginning, Andrea’s warmth and passion for her work came through clearly. She spoke candidly about the experiences of her patients and the importance of approaching sexual health care with compassion, openness, and zero judgment. What made her presentation especially memorable for me was how she balanced deep empathy with a great sense of humor. She had us laughing while also making sure we grasped the seriousness and urgency of accessible, stigma-free sexual health care. It was a great reminder that even in the most complex areas of medicine, human connection and kindness go a long way.
By the end of the day, it was clear that our time at City South wasn’t just a change in location – it was a chance to hear diverse voices, explore challenging topics, and expand our perspectives as future nurses. Each speaker brought their full selves to the session, not just teaching us but inspiring us with their compassion and dedication.
I’m grateful for a day filled with not only academic growth but also emotional and personal insights. It was a powerful reminder that healthcare is as much about people and stories as it is about science and systems. I’m looking forward to taking everything we’ve learned and bringing it into our presentations – and eventually, our future practice.
