Turning his passion into their potential
A bursary at Cardiff University is supporting the next generation of doctors in memory of a distinguished surgeon and rugby legend.
Brian Rees OBE, distinguished surgeon and international rugby player, was committed to passing on knowledge and expertise to young doctors during the course of his career. Now, after his death, a bursary in his memory continues that commitment, supporting Cardiff University students at the very start of their medical careers.
Brian grew up in Neath in the forties and fifties and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent for rugby, as well as a passion for medicine. He worked hard, taking the opportunities available to progress his love of sport and learning.
Whilst studying medicine at Cambridge, he played rugby for the Light Blues and for Wales, earning 3 Welsh caps in 1967. After graduating, he joined London Welsh, while carefully choosing his surgery placements to broaden his skills and experience. He excelled, becoming an eminent surgeon at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, introducing laparoscopic surgery to Cardiff and progressing to Lead Cancer Clinician in 2000.
Alongside his clinical work, Brian remained passionate about providing opportunities to others and established a regional training centre – The Welsh Institute for Minimal Access Therapy – at the hospital dedicated to training young surgeons. His services to medicine were recognised when he received his OBE in 2000.
When Brian died in 2021, he was still working as a surgeon and a medical instructor. Now thanks to the Brian Rees Bursary, his passion for teaching and learning medicine will be passed on to the next generation of doctors. Established in his memory, the bursary removes financial barriers for students from under-represented backgrounds who aspire to study medicine at Cardiff.
One student benefitting from the bursary is Najah Isse (Medicine 2025-), who began following her dream of a career in medicine as a teenager.
She tested her abilities and desire through work experience opportunities throughout her A-levels and was thrilled to accept a place at Cardiff University and begin her journey towards becoming a doctor.
Najah lives at home and helps her mother care for her grandmother, who has dementia. The Brian Rees Bursary has eased financial pressures, giving her the stability and time to focus on her studies and continue supporting her family.
“As my grandmother's dementia has progressed, I’ve observed the mutual respect built between her and her doctor. Small gestures such as simply asking about her day and her worries really help improve her morale. I’ve seen from a young age the important role doctors play in the lives of individuals – and in society as a whole – looking after wellbeing as well as welfare.
“Although medicine is a physically and emotionally demanding career, helping people at their most vulnerable and being present with them is my ultimate goal as a doctor.
“Applying for medicine, I was prepared to get a full-time job alongside my studies. I knew it would be difficult, but my passion and determination outweighed my worries about debt. But now with the Brian Rees Bursary I can continue to take care of my grandmother, to support my mother and to dedicate more time to my studies, all without the anxiety of the financial burden.
“Not having to work means I also have the time and financial means to think about volunteering. As I progress through my medical journey, I would love to advocate for people who are unable to access higher education and healthcare, or who experience social deprivation.“
“I can’t express how much I appreciate this bursary. I aspire to carry the same immense kindness and compassion displayed by Dr Rees and his family and would love to pay it forward through my actions both as a medical student and a doctor.“
Najah Isse (Medicine 2025-)
In Memoriam giving
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