We’re pleased to announce that 2014’s Michael Pittilo Student Essay Award, generously supported by Waitrose is now open!

Now in its fifth year, the Award is named after the late Professor Michael Pittilo, Vice Chancellor of Robert Gordon University. Professor Pittilo was a scientist, educationalist and champion of inter-professional education.

In line with the College’s aim of changing conversations about health, this year’s theme explores issues of self-management and resilience:

Is there a link between increasing self management, and the resilience of the care provider? Will empowering and enabling the patient to take on more responsibility for their own health, actually help the care provider feel a greater accomplishment and allow them to let go of a bit of the responsibility?

Dr Michael Dixon, Chair of the College said;

“This year’s focus is on resilience and self-care. For us this includes health professional, community resilience and individual resilience for patients, carers and everyone interested in self care.

Sustainability is key and we believe there are many strategies that should be explored and examples to be showcased that championing prevention and approaches that fit the patient’s mind set, expectations and community”.

This award is open to all students in the UK, studying a healthcare subject at undergraduate level or above including; dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, the allied health professions, social work, voluntary/statutory regulated CAM therapies and public health.

First prize includes;

• £500 – Publication in the International Therapist Journal – Publication on the College of Medicine’s website
• 2nd and 3rd prize runners up will also receive cash prizes and certificates. Essay guidelines:
• Word limit – 1,500 • Preferred referencing style: Harvard or Vancouver • Please include your name, course, year, university and contact email at the bottom.

The deadline for entries is 6pm, Friday 27th June 2014. All enquiries and submissions to: students@collegeofmedicine.org.uk

If you do not receive an acknowledgement email within 24hours of submitting (or 48hrs over the weekend) please email kate.fismer@collegeofmedicine.org.uk

Want to share information about the competition?  Download the poster/flyer here.