The GMS Annual Summit 2025 was a resounding success, setting a new benchmark for student-led medical events at the university. With a sold-out attendance of 150 tickets and over 180 participants including speakers, organizers, and collaborating societies, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric.
This groundbreaking event was a remarkable showcase of interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together GMS and 16 other societies, each hosting specialised workshops that captivated and engaged the audience. From Dermatology Society’s hands-on dermatoscope demonstrations to the Ophthalmology Society’s fundoscopy training, and the Surgery Society’s suturing workshop to Peadiatrics Society’s neonatal examination techniques, the diversity of sessions ensured that there was something for everyone. The 10+ workshops received enthusiastic feedback, with attendees praising the interactive, hands-on learning experience.
The day began with registration at 8:30 AM, followed by an inspiring opening address by the GMS President. Attendees were then treated to a series of thought-provoking talks by leading specialists in cardiology, orthopedics, and neurology. The presence of renowned influencer doctors, Dr. Dev Gakhar (Devify) and Dr. Ollie Burton, added another layer of excitement. Dr. Gakhar’s session on social media and medicine was a particular highlight, as students flocked to gain insights on balancing a medical career with a powerful online presence.
A major attraction of the event was the Neural Consult team, an AI-powered learning platform that traveled all the way from the United States to participate in the summit. Their presence underscored the international recognition of the GMS Annual Summit as a must-attend event for aspiring medical professionals.
Lunch was a gastronomic delight, featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options including chicken biryani, veg biryani, samosas, and a variety of refreshing drinks, much to the attendees’ satisfaction.
The Poster Presentation Competition was another standout segment of the day. With over 16 competitors and a packed room of supporters, the event exceeded expectations. Attendees were especially enthusiastic about the Audience Choice Award, which gave them a say in recognising the best posters of the day. This opportunity to actively participate and acknowledge their peers’ work was greatly appreciated, adding a personal touch to the competition. Awards were presented in three categories: Best Presentation, Best Poster, and Audience Choice. Aisha Sanusi claimed the Best Presentation Award, Varunikha Sangeetha was recognised for the Best Poster, and the Audience Choice Award went to Liya Maliki and Yusuf Ahmad.
One of the most striking moments came from Dr. Sarah Plimmer, a judge for the poster competition, who praised the organising committee’s efforts, stating, "What GMS has achieved with this summit is something that no other committee has ever done, and it will be incredibly difficult for any future committee to match, let alone surpass."
The success of the summit was the result of the dedication and hard work of the organising committee members, Faisal Khan, Mohammed Farhan, Asna Mirza, Anisha Sequeira, Shubh Jaggi, and Hritika Tripathi. Working together to pull off such a large-scale event brought a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment to everyone involved. "Seeing the event come together so seamlessly and receiving such positive feedback from attendees made all the effort worthwhile," said one of the committee members.
Additionally, the GMS Annual Summit witnessed a significant turnout from our Crewe based students, with several attendees arriving a day early in anticipation of the event. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees hailing the summit as "the event of the year," a sentiment that filled the organising committee with immense pride and satisfaction and reinforcing the inclusive and engaging atmosphere that the summit cultivated.
The event also marked a historic moment in social media promotion, with GMS and its partnering societies executing a campaign that ensured every medical student at the university was aware of the summit. This unprecedented level of digital engagement played a crucial role in the event’s success, setting a new standard for event marketing at the university.
As the curtain falls on the first-ever GMS Annual Summit, the resounding success of the event has set the stage for future summits, with even bigger and better experiences in store. Stay tuned for exciting content releases and more from this exceptional event.