Medical students from the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine (PCSM) have launched a Teddy Bear Hospital, a new community outreach initiative designed to reduce anxiety around healthcare and help children feel more confident in medical settings.

The first cohort of graduate-entry medical students from the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine (PCSM) arrived at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) in December for a one-week introductory clinical placement, marking a milestone in the region’s drive to grow and retain its future medical workforce.

Through the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine (PCSM) Research Hub based within the University of Cumbria's Institute of Health, and in partnership with North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC), we are driving forward innovation in healthcare research across the region. Thanks to a £1.2 million award from the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), we have launched seven collaborative health research projects - each funded at £50,000 over two years. 

Time is running out for aspiring doctors to apply to one of the UK’s innovative new medical programmes. Applications for the Graduate Entry Programme at the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine (PCSM) close on 15 October 2025 at 18:00 BST—and for many students, this is more than just a deadline. It’s a chance to be part of a movement to transform healthcare in one of the country’s most underserved regions.

A first of its kind graduate-entry collaboration between the University of Cumbria and Imperial College London will see the launch of the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine (PCSM) this week.  Located at the University of Cumbria Fusehill Street campus in Carlisle, the School will welcome its inaugural cohort of 58 students on 26 August.