Calling the next generation of doctors: Explore how genetics can improve prescribing and patient safety.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is delighted to announce the launch of the patient safety essay writing competition 2025. We are inviting medical students and foundation doctors across the United Kingdom to share their insights on the vital role of genetics in enhancing the efficacy and safety of medicines for patients. This competition offers a unique platform for future clinicians to influence national thinking on medicine safety and pharmacovigilance.

Essay topic

Entrants are asked to submit an essay on the following topic:

“Using examples, discuss the potential role for genetics in improving the efficacy and safety of medicines for patients in the UK. Consider how the MHRA Yellow Card scheme could better capture pharmacogenomic related adverse reactions.”

Background

The MHRA is committed to ensuring that medicines used in the UK are both effective and safe. The Yellow Card scheme, the UK’s system for reporting suspected side effects, is central to this goal. It relies on healthcare professionals, patients, and carers to report adverse reactions, contributing to ongoing pharmacovigilance for medicines and medical devices.

Excitingly, the MHRA’s Yellow Card Biobank, in partnership with Genomics England, is now linking these reports with genetic data to better understand why some patients experience severe reactions, such as pancreatitis with weight loss medicines or unexpected bleeding with anticoagulants.

Who can enter?

• Medical students in the United Kingdom currently in Years 3–5 of a 5-year Medicine programme, or Years 3–4 of a 4-year Medicine course

• Applicants in Year 3 of a Medicine course studying for an intercalated BSc as part of a 6-year programme

• Students in Year 6 of a Medicine programme

• F1 and F2 doctors currently in a UK Foundation Programme post

How to enter

1. Write an essay (maximum 2,000 words, excluding references and title, with up to 20 references in Vancouver style recommended).

2. Use Arial 12 point font.

3. Do not include any personal identifying details within the essay document.

4. Email your completed Word document to med.essay@mhra.gov.uk.

5. Include in your email: your full name, affiliation (medical school or current place of work) and total word count.

6. Deadline for submission: Monday 15 December 2025, 17:00 (GMT).

Prizes

There are separate prizes for medical students and foundation doctors:

• 1st Prize: £500 cash and an invitation to present your essay at a national meeting of the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM). Travel and subsistence expenses will be covered.

• 2nd Prize: £300 cash and a highly commended certificate for your portfolio.

• 3rd Prize: £200 cash and a certificate for your portfolio.

• Six prizes will be awarded in total – three for medical students and three for foundation doctors. Prizes will recognise outstanding academic merit, with the highest-scoring essays awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in each category.

Judging criteria

Essays will be evaluated on content, originality, use of evidence, and readability. Judges will be looking for comprehensive understanding, insightful discussion of drug safety surveillance in the UK, and practical suggestions for improving the Yellow Card scheme’s ability to capture pharmacogenomic data. Outstanding submissions may influence national policy and practice.

Why enter?

This is a rare opportunity for aspiring clinicians to influence the future of patient safety and prescribing practices in the UK. By entering, participants can demonstrate their knowledge and creativity, showcase innovative ideas on the integration of genetics in medicine, and help to shape safer healthcare for generations to come.

Winners will be recognised nationally and awarded prizes that support both academic and professional development. Your voice could make a real difference in how medicine safety is monitored and improved across the country.

Further information

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, dedicated to regulating medicines and medical devices in the UK.

For media enquiries, please contact newscentre@mhra.gov.uk or call 020 3080 7651.