The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow is sharing stories of the innovators who have made an impact on healthcare as part of its 425th anniversary celebrations.
The College – which has Fellows and Members in more than 100 countries – has a long track record of making positive change. Its innovators include Sir William Macewen – known as the Father of Neurosurgery, Ms Jamini Sen, the College’s first female fellow, who championed women doctors and patients, and Professor Sir Graham Teasdale, who worked with Professor Bryan Jennett to develop the Glasgow Coma Scale – a tool now used in hospitals around the world and known simply as the “GCS”.
Mike McKirdy, President of the College, said: “We are very proud to celebrate the achievements of medical and healthcare professionals throughout the College’s history.
“Founded in 1599 by a Royal Charter from King James VI, the College was originally established to improve the standards of medical practice in Glasgow and the West of Scotland. Since then, the College has been at the centre of medical and scientific advances, which have improved patient care. From the 17th century regulation of the profession, through the developments of the Scottish Enlightenment in the 18th, to the breakthroughs in mental health care and surgery in the 19th. The College and its Fellows have played a vital role in maintaining and improving standards of medical practice.”
The celebrations include the opening of a new exhibition on Scottish surgeon, Sir William Macewen, who performed the first brain tumour removal in 1879.
William Macewen: At the Cutting Edge showcases treasures from the College’s archive including rarely-seen journals, letters and photographs, alongside instruments Macewen used to carry out his ground-breaking procedures.
The College also recently commissioned a portrait of its first female Fellow, Jamini Sen. Originally from Bengal, she broke down barriers by advocating for better working conditions for female doctors in India and improving access to care for female patients. In 1912, she became the first surgeon to be admitted to the College after women were allowed to sit the examinations necessary for fellowship in 1911.
Mr McKirdy continued: “The College was founded on the principle of collective learning to support medical professionals to deliver the best care for their patients. As the UK’s only multidisciplinary College, we have emphasised the power of working together across healthcare.
“As we mark 425 years of innovation, we are reminded of how far we have come as a profession – and we continue in the tradition of supporting the brilliant innovators of today.
“Earlier this year, we celebrated an important modern milestone, marking 50 years since the publication of the Glasgow Coma Scale – co-developed by former College president, Sir Graham Teasdale, and Bryan Jennet. This has become Glasgow’s gift to the world as the GCS.
“In a time of ever-increasing change, we will look beyond this year of celebration and continue to foster innovation as the cornerstone of the profession for the next generation.”