Britain to get its first Catholic medical school in 2026

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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 5, 2024 / 09:00 am (CNA).

St. Mary’s University in Twickenham, London, has announced plans to open Britain’s first Catholic medical school in September 2026.

“We are proud to be London’s Catholic university and to launch the first school of medicine at a Catholic university in the U.K.,” a spokesperson for the university said in a statement provided to CNA. “This is an exciting initiative and a strategic priority for the university.” 

“Our Catholic mission is integral to our values, and we will ensure that our students can flourish with the best possible support, as befits a Catholic university,” the spokesperson said.

“We will also help our graduates to become ethically discerning in their practice.” 

News of the university’s plans come as euthanasia and abortion in the United Kingdom continue to grow and as the U.K. faces a critical demand for more doctors and medical professionals. 

“The need for medical professionals in the U.K. is enormous,” the spokesperson acknowledged.

The university “look[s] forward to contributing toward the future of health care in Britain by helping to provide the next generations of compassionate, complete doctors who prioritize patient well-being and utilize the latest medical technology, underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of the bioethical debates impacting the medical community.” 

In a press release regarding the new medical school, the university said it had received assurance that it is “on track and making good progress toward required standards for medical education.” 

The university is currently ranked in the country’s top 10 for student experience and top 5 for teaching quality, according to the release.

“The school will not only contribute to the workforce development demands in the U.K. for more doctors and medical professionals, but it will also train global professionals able to work anywhere in the world,” St. Mary’s vice chancellor, Professor Anthony McClaran, said in the announcement. 

“Our approach to developing the whole person during students’ time at SMU will mean medics of the future will leave this university with the technical and personal skills they need to deliver truly holistic, compassionate, patient-centered care,” McLaran said.