Galenicals is the University of Bristol Medical Students' Society, representing over 1,500 students - that makes us the largest student society in Bristol SU (we're also the most fun)! Having been founded in 1935, we're 90 years old this year and you can be sure to expect a proper celebration to mark the occasion. For 90 years we've provided the extra-curricular space for medics to enjoy themselves. That means that there are thousands of Bristol graduates on the wards today who look back fondly and remember their time as part of Galenicals.

Medicine is a hugely diverse subject and we reflect this, with over 40 sub-societies to cater to all interests. These include medics sports teams along with groups for academic interests, charity and volunteering and performing arts! There really is something for everyone – and if there’s not, we invite you to set it up! Check them all out on our website, in your Welcome Booklet you'll receive from us via email or by coming along to the Galenicals Freshers Fair - our first major event of the year where all the sub-societies can have a stall and you get the chance to talk to them (and maybe get some freebies if you're lucky)!

We are here to support you. We are the main source of academic representation for Bristol Medical Students, meeting several times per month with the Faculty to voice student concerns and provide feedback to ensure the student experience is as good as it can be. We are also here to support your welfare, with our dedicated Welfare Committee members - Rosie and Diya. We provide signposting to relevant services, run welfare campaigns to promote systemic change and even have a peer-support Welfare Rep Network.

Finally, we host famous social events, including back-to-school nights to kick off the year, medics bar crawl, and lots of formals - so we are celebrating all year around! We’re always looking to broaden our ideas – we’re particularly pushing non-alcoholic events this year to stay inclusive to as many members as possible. Membership gets you at least 10% off the cost of all these events and priority access to tickets! Our social events provide the perfect space to make friendships that last a lifetime.

From your first few days as a medical student to the beginning of life as a doctor, Galenicals is with you all the way!

 - Ella and Max, Galenicals Co-Presidents 2024-2025

• Membership cost for medics is £15 for the 2024/25 academic year 
• Membership costs for non-medics is £7.50 for the 2024/25 academic year
• Please be aware that to join our Sub-societies you will need to have purchased a Galenicals membership.

All money from membership fees goes into supporting the society for your whole time here. Every event and campaign we mentioned above is subsidised by our membership fees.

 

Galenicals is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity for all medics studying at the University of Bristol including those on the MB ChB course, Gateway to Medicine course and intercalating medics. Throughout your time at medical school, we know how important a warm and inviting community will be and we are dedicated to creating a safe space for you all – this starts with us welcoming you now in your first year!

All medics should feel comfortable regardless of age, disability, gender, sexuality, race, religion, belief or any other personal characteristic. Therefore, as a society we have a zero-tolerance stance for any kind of discrimination or harassment and we expect all our members to uphold these values. We are proud to be a community that actively challenges inequalities. Galenicals is a place where everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.

In turn, as the representative society for the medical student body, we recognise our responsibility to support and empower students facing adversity. If you have a concern or experience something uncomfortable, we encourage you to reach out to us at Galenicals, specifically the Welfare and Equalities team (emails listed below). We are always on hand to signpost resources, give advice, and platform your perspectives.

Diversity is a strength that enriches our academic community and prepares us to become compassionate, culturally competent healthcare professionals. As a member of Galenicals - one of the largest student societies at Bristol - your voice carries significant weight and we committed to amplifying it. Above all, our aim is to improve your university experience and create a better environment for you.

Contact Information

To contact the Presidents directly: 

med-galenicalspresident@bristol.ac.uk

 

For newsletter opportunities and general queries:

med-galenicalssecretary@bristol.ac.uk

 

For equalities or welfare matters:

med-galenicalsequalities@bristol.ac.uk

med-galenicalswelfare@bristol.ac.uk

 

For Alumni matters: 

med-galenicalsalumni@bristol.ac.uk

 

To contact the Treasurer: 

med-galenicalstreasurer@bristol.ac.uk

 

For Sub-Society matters (affiliations etc.): 

subsocieties@galenicals.org.uk

 

For Intercalators:

med-galenicalsintercalation@bristol.ac.uk

 

For academic representation matters:

med-galenicalspre-clinical@bristol.ac.uk

med-galenicalsclinical@bristol.ac.uk

 

For information on peer to peer education: 

med-galenicalsp2p@bristol.ac.uk

 

For questions about merchandise, marketing and websites:

med-galenicalswebmaster@bristol.ac.uk