Delivering Effective Healthcare 

Students Working Overseas Trust (SWOT)

A student-led charitable medical society which provides medical equipment each year for developing countries.

SWOT is a charitable medical society at Queen’s University. The society raises over £50,000 every year through fundraising events such as the ever-popular SWOT Fashion Show, which annually raises up to £30,000. Each year, this funding supports the purchasing of essential medical equipment and medicines as well as promoting health care education in developing countries. 

The society works with other organisations in the University including the Belfast Medical Students’ Association, Belfast Marrow, and the Law Society.

SWOT is built on the enthusiasm of Queen’s University medical students and their determination to help those who need it most. Being a volunteer for SWOT has proven highly rewarding and also provides opportunities to practice clinical skills both at home and overseas. At the end of the fourth year of medical studies, students are encouraged to take a six-week elective module abroad in order to gain invaluable experience prior to starting their careers as junior doctors.

“SWOT fundraising provides hospital equipment and medications to developing countries; in addition to this, SWOT students spend time in these countries supporting the delivery of more effective healthcare. In essence, SWOT saves lives”

Niamh Murphy

President, SWOT