9 March 2026
The Head of the School of Medicine is set to join the University of Waikato
Professor Scott Wilkes
Professor Scott Wilkes, Head of the University of Sunderland’s School of Medicine, is set to take up a new leadership role at the University of Waikato in New Zealand.
Professor Wilkes, an expert in medical education, experienced north-east GP and respected NHS researcher, has been appointed the inaugural Dean of the newly established New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine.
Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland, said: “Professor Wilkes has made an outstanding contribution to the University during his many years with us.
“We will be forever in Scott’s debt for the work he did in establishing the University’s medical school which opened as planned in the autumn of 2019.
"The fact that it is already so highly regarded and achieving strong outcomes for its students is to Scott’s leadership and expertise.
“On behalf of the University, I want to wish Scott every success as he embarks on this exciting new venture building a medical school at the University of Waikato in New Zealand.”
Professor Wilkes will undertake one day a week in his new role as part of a transition, remaining predominantly at Sunderland until the summer.
Professor Wilkes joined the University of Sunderland to lead the establishment of a new, primary care–focused medical school, becoming its founding Head of School and Professor of General Practice and Primary Care.
Since opening in 2019, Sunderland’s School of Medicine has become a sector-leading example of widening access to medical education and improving opportunities for students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.
Its first graduating cohort achieved a 99% first-sit pass rate in the national applied knowledge test for medical licensing, and the School is currently ranked No. 1 in the UK for academic tutor support in the National Student Survey (NSS).
Vice-Chancellor at the University of Waikato, Professor Neil Quigley said the institution was “delighted to have secured a candidate of Professor Wilkes’ calibre”.
Professor Wilkes’ departure may mark the end of a chapter for the University of Sunderland, but also the beginning of a new international partnership founded on shared values of widening access, community impact and excellence in medical education.
Professor Wilkes today shared his memories of his time at the University and thanked those he has worked with over the years.
He said: “My time at Sunderland has been the most exhilarating time of my professional career. I am so grateful for the opportunity and the support given to me by so many people over the past seven years.
“I especially thank the Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson for her early support in Parliament, Dame Shirley Atkinson and Ken Bremner MBE for our initial giddy conversations, Sir David Bell for his support during setup, Profs Hassell and Coventry for their wisdom and guidance, Prof Namita Kumar for unwavering support of the vision and all our wonderful hospital Trust and GP colleagues.
“Thank you for the support I have received from colleagues at Medical Schools Council and the national Deans of Medicine. Special thanks go to my Exec team, Prof Mark Shipley, Dr Jane Falconer and Nicole OConnor.
"Thank you to all the wonderful staff at the medical school who have enabled me to live and deliver my dream of one of the best medical schools in the UK.
"Apologies to all the wonderful names not listed above – you know who you are – you are so many.
"Sunderland medical school is truly a special place, with staff who care about students, facilities and educators that are second to none, and metrics that have made me, staff and students very proud of where we study and work.
“I am sad to be leaving but also extremely happy to have been given the opportunity to do it all again in one of our most wonderful Commonwealth countries.
“The graduate entry school of medicine at the University of Waikato, New Zealand, will be set up with an identical philosophy of – making medicine accessible to those with talent who may not have otherwise had the opportunity, and to graduate socially responsible doctors who meet the needs of society and improve lives.
"My legacy at Sunderland are the medical students. I thank you all for your hard work and dedication and being safe, competent, and caring doctors.
“My final thanks go to my wonderful family and my wife Jane who has supported me with my totally unplanned career.
“It has truly been an honour and a privilege – thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”