Legacy of gifted pharmacy student lives on with memorial award
Fledgling pharmacist Matthew Aiken’s empathy towards patients in his care have landed him a special memorial award during the University of Sunderland’s summer graduation ceremonies.
The Jemma O’Sullivan Award for Care and Compassion in the Practice of Pharmacy is presented each year to a graduate who has demonstrated these qualities during their degree course.
Jemma was just 22 when she was killed in a motorway crash in 2010. To mark a lasting legacy, her parents Vincent and Margaret, sponsor this special award each year.
This year, the award, which celebrates the caring qualities shown by Jemma during her own degree course, was presented to 24-year-old Matthew, during the graduation ceremonies at the Stadium of Light.
Matthew said: “I’m thrilled to receive this award, it’s very special. I chose this career because I wanted to make a difference to peoples’ lives in healthcare and show them that I care about their treatment.”
Pharmacy students go out on practice placements throughout their MPharm programme as well as meeting with patients in the classroom setting. The university asks the placement tutors and patients to nominate any student they felt stood out for their compassion and interaction with patients each year.
Matthew, from Seaham, demonstrated that care, empathy and good communication skills with patients.
He said:“With is award I feel I have left my mark on this university and I’m graduating on a real personal high.”
Matthew, the first in his family to graduate, was presented with a special glass gift as well as a cheque to support his future career.