The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences recently hosted a Global Healthcare Leadership Alumni Retreat at Harris-Manchester College, bringing together alumni from the MSc Global Healthcare Leadership (MGHL) programme, and academics and current students from across the department for a transformative programme of academic and social sessions.
The retreat served as an opportunity to delve into a wide range of critical topics shaping healthcare systems globally. From health economics to innovation, wellbeing and leadership, the sessions aimed to address both the challenges and opportunities in this area today. These discussions were designed to support the continued development of informed, compassionate and effective healthcare leaders who can influence change in their respective fields.
Among the key highlights was the highly anticipated Arts & Medicine session, chaired by MGHL alumna Dr Iva Fattorini. The panel featured world-famous soprano Renée Fleming, distinguished researcher Professor Daisy Fancourt, and the department’s own Dr Anne Ferrey, course director for the MSc in Translational Health Sciences programme.The session explored how arts and culture can contribute to health and healing, a timely discussion given the increasing recognition of the role of the arts in promoting wellbeing. The event, which was live-streamed to an audience around the world, received enthusiastic participation from viewers across the UK and internationally, from cities such as Brussels, Chicago, Santiago, Calgary, Kampala, Cape Town, Bhopal and New York.
MGHL alumna Dr Iva Fattorini chairing the Arts & Medicine session
The retreat also highlighted the importance of wellbeing in leadership. MGHL alumna Jae Kullar led a session focused on the practical application of wellbeing principles in the workplace. This session was supported by Research Associate Leoni Boyle of the Wellbeing Research Centre and Managing Director Sarah Cunningham of the World Wellbeing Movement, organisations that are a stimulating home for scholars engaged in world-class research on wellbeing across the life course and in the context of schools, businesses and public policy.
Additional sessions addressed topics such as health economics, entrepreneurship and innovation, career transitions and complexity in clinical services. Notable speakers included Dr Ramon Luengo-Fernandez, Dr Davide Bilardi, Professor Michael Kidd, Professor Trish Greenhalgh and Dr Andrew Papanikitas. A storytelling workshop led by The Oxford Imps also allowed alumni to reflect on their professional journeys and share insights into how the MGHL programme has shaped their careers.
Storytelling workshop with the Oxford Imps
Another among the many highlights of the programme was the session delivered by Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, the distinguished Oxford scientist behind the COVID-19 vaccine. Drawing on her experience at the forefront of pandemic response, she reflected on the global effort to develop and distribute vaccines and discussed strategies to prevent future outbreaks. Her talk offered valuable insights into the role of leadership and innovation in responding to health emergencies and building more resilient healthcare systems.
MGHL alumni pictured with Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert (centre) and Head of Department Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh (right)
The event included a gala dinner where alumni, college partners, and faculty and current students across the NDPCHS postgraduate programmes gathered to share their journeys and discussion future collaborations. Attendees included colleagues from the Department of Continuing Education and Saïd Business School with whom we jointly lead courses. Head of Department Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh delivered a thoughtful toast, reflecting on the importance of leadership in healthcare and the pivotal role that departmental alumni will play in shaping the future of the sector.
Gala dinner of the Global Healthcare Leadership Alumni Retreat
As NDPCHS programmes continue to grow, this retreat highlighted the department's ongoing commitment to building a global community capable of addressing the complex challenges facing healthcare systems worldwide. With a shared vision of improving healthcare for all, the alumni retreat demonstrated the power of collaboration, innovation and leadership in creating lasting change.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the speakers, alumni, faculty, students and guests who made the retreat possible, and to everyone who contributed to the success of this landmark event. A special thank you to Alumni Relations Manager Shona Nicholson for making this event possible.