Bute Medical School
Encyclopedia
The University of St Andrews School of Medicine is the school of medicine
at the University of St Andrews
in St Andrews
, Fife
, Scotland
; it used to be known as the 'Bute Medical School' until the 2010–2011 academic year. Many staff and students however retain deep affection for the old building and so, for example, the medical society is still called The Bute Medical Society.
, at St Salvator's College
and later the United College of St Salvator and St Leonard
. Bishop Kennedy founded St Salvator's College
in 1450, confirmed by a Papal Bull
in 1458.
From the 17th to the 19th centuries, medical degrees from St Andrews were awarded by an early version of distance learning. The university awarded the degree of MD
to individuals who were usually already established in medical practice, the first being conferred in 1696. This degree was awarded on the basis of a testimonial written by a supervisor, and a fee was paid to the university. The whole process was conducted through the post, and the candidate did not have to visit the university. Recipients of the MD
at this time include the infamous French Revolutionary, Jean-Paul Marat
(1743–1793), who obtained his MD in 1775 for an essay on gonorrhea
, and Edward Jenner
(1749–1823), who developed the first smallpox vaccine
, and was awarded the MD in 1792.
In 1721, whilst Chancellor
of the University, James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos
established the Chandos Chair of Medicine and Anatomy
, to fund the appointment of a Professor of Medicine and Anatomy at the university, and Thomas Simson
was appointed as the first Chandos Professor. The Chandos Chair still exists, although it has now become a chair of physiology.
In the early 19th century, examinations were introduced. Students had to visit St Andrews to sit them, but there was no teaching at the university.
, in addition to his provident restorations of other university buildings, initiated the construction of the current Bute Medical Buildings, south of St Mary's College, completed in 1899. The buildings, much added to and modified, especially after a gift from Andrew Carnegie, built labs to the north (now the Carnegie Building). These provided for the establishment of a regular medical school, which both taught and examined medical students. The 3rd Marquess of Bute
also provided for the establishment of a new chair of medicine—the Bute Chair of Medicine.
. Students were awarded the degree of MB ChB
by the University of St Andrews.
In 1954, University College changed its name to Queen's College, but remained part of the University of St Andrews.
In August 1967, following recommendations by the Robbins Report
, the Universities (Scotland) Act 1966 came into force. This granted independent university status to the University of Dundee
, separating Queen's College from the University of St Andrews
. In many respects, the medical school at the University of Dundee
inherited the medical traditions of St Andrews University.
As the clinical medical school (along with other parts of the University of St Andrews including the Law faculty) had been based in Dundee, this left St Andrews
with no clinical medical school or teaching hospital. The Universities (Scotland) Act 1966 also removed the University of St Andrews
's right to award undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in medicine, including the MB ChB
and MD
. The right to award the MD has since been restored.
, in 1970 which was at that time seeking to enlarge its medical school. Students completed a three-year BSc in medical science at St Andrews
, and could optionally complete an extra intercalated year for the award of BSc Hons at St Andrews
, before completing their clinical training at the University of Manchester
, with the final MB ChB awarded by Manchester
. This arrangement has been under threat many times over the years.
For a brief period there was the option of completing clinical training at Keele University Medical School
in Stoke-on-Trent
, and around twenty St Andrews graduates each year between 2002–2006 have gone to Keele University
. This option no longer exists.
Major changes to the curriculum were made in 2000 with increased emphasis on psychology and cellular biology in the course, with the new curricula allowing for an honours degree to be attained after three years' study.
Teaching methods include lectures and practical classes, utilising self-directed learning and case-based learning. Examination methods include multiple-choice questions, short answers, and essays in written exams and OSPEs (Objective Structured Practical Exam). A research project is also required for completion of the honours degree—normally undertaken in third year of study.
A further three years' study is required to receive a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB, ChB), and requires training at a university that supports a clinical course—this extra training is known as phase 2. The course therefore takes an extra year in comparison to other Scottish universities.
's report into medical education recommended that medical graduates from St Andrews should remain in Scotland to complete their clinical medical education, and arising out of this, discussions about a link with University of Edinburgh
have taken place.
The Board for Academic Medicine under Sir David Carter was established and tasked with, amongst other things, the implementation of these plans. Sir David Carter, Professor Hugh MacDougall (Dean of Medicine) and Professor Simon Guild (Director of Teaching, Depute Head of School) surveyed the capacity of other medical schools to accept St Andrews medical students.
For the 2012 cohort it is expected that the students who are allocated a "Scottish Route" place will be divided as follows:
This began with a phased introduction of the students starting their St Andrews careers in 2007, with 55 progressing to the Scottish medical schools. This number has only rose marginally.
A remainder of 90 students would continue to go to Manchester, and be accepted into one of its four teaching hospitals. However, a small cohort of students progress to Cambridge or London teaching hospitals if so desired, or to pursue an MRes or PhD prior to continuing to a clinical school. Every student accepted to St Andrew is guaranteed a place for their clinical years at one of the 4 Scottish schools or Manchester schools.
passed the University of St Andrews (Postgraduate Medical Degrees) Act 2002 which re-instated the university's right to award the postgraduate research degree of Medicinae Doctor (MD)
to students who have completed two years of full-time or up to 5 years of part-time research, which had been removed by the Universities (Scotland) Act 1966. The first MD since 1967 was awarded in 2004.
The School, which has been built at a cost of £45m, contains state-of-the-art research laboratory space, as well as modern teaching facilities and a large lecture theatre. The new building allows for extensive inter-disciplinary medical research and is unique in the fact that it is physically linked to the Faculty of Science buildings.
Opening the building on Friday 12 November 2010, the First Minister Alex Salmond said:
“The University of St Andrews has a long, proud tradition in educational excellence and this £45 million state-of-the-art facility will bring together students across all science disciplines to create a rich collaborative environment. "Scotland’s scientists and researchers have made an immense contribution to shaping the modern world and this new facility will strengthen this reputation. It will not only attract new undergraduates to the University, educating our next generation of doctors, but will establish a hub for the creation of new medical research and breakthroughs. “This new building will be one of the first UK medical schools where research facilities are integrated across the sciences and this opening demonstrates how Scotland's oldest University remains at the forefront of innovation.”
The First Minister marked the occasion by unveiling a commemorative, meagre stump in the building’s courtyard. He was joined by Chancellor Sir Menzies Campbell MP, Principal and Vice Chancellor Professor Louise Richardson, Master of the United College Professor Neville Richardson, Dean of Medicine and Head of the School of Medicine Professor Hugh MacDougall, and Acting Head of the School of Biology Professor Mike Ritchie.
group.
The Bute Medical Society was founded in 1915, by its first president Margaret Shirlaw, with the support of Miss Mildred Clark, Calum McCrimmon, Clive Mackie Whyte, Cecily Thistlewaite, Mary Ellison and W.G. Robertson. The initial aim of the society was to hold clinically oriented lectures that the students could attend voluntarily. This tradition still continues today with the society's bimonthly 'cheese and wine' evening. As an independent, non-profit organisation it is still run entirely by medical students. It is sponsored by the British Medical Association
, Medical Protection Society
, Medical Defence Union
and Salford Student Homes. Fund raising events held throughout the year also enable the Society to contribute to charities.
Projects include StopAids Campaign, Teddy Bear Hospital, Climate Change Awareness, and the Global Health Education Project (GHEP)
In 2008 the society was partially established with the aims of developing such interests, raising awareness of global health, and tackling issues that may hinder improvements in both education and deliverance of healthcare across the developing world.
Currently the project is heavily involved in establishing an exchange programme with the Malawian College of Medicine, taking full advantage of the University's long history in the country. Endorsed by the University of St Andrews, the Scottish SNP Government and Members of Parliament in the UK, the project has grown rapidly since its founding in 2008, and has now more than 200 members and an active committee.
Ten students have planned to visit the Malawian College of Medicine in July 2011 as part of GHEP and also as part of the first ever University of St Andrews
medical exchange.
The relationship between the University of St Andrews and the Malawian College of Medicine is over twenty years old. The College was founded upon the basis of previous medical training at St Andrews and many of the graduates of Medicine and of Health Care Management now hold the highest clinical and governmental positions in Malawi.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Bute Medical School staff and the College of Medicine was signed in March 2008, which outlines a collaboration between the two institutions over curriculum reform, curriculum support through improved infrastructure and IT resources and research networking and support. GHEP is however an entirely student run programe.
Other project activities include the running of Global Health Education Workshops/Module, which so far in 2010 have attracted more than 200 students, staff and visitors from the world of medicine and further afield. Titles covered so far this year by the group have included climate change, overpopulation, epidemics and elimination and the concept of good aid.
. This includes research groups looking at predisposition to cancer, the influence of diet on cancer, the role of human papillomavirus
in the development of cancer, and psychological aspects of oral cancers. There is also research into molecular endocrinology, and some research in conjunction with research groups in the School of Physics, the School of Biology, and the Centre of Biomolecular Science.
, and as such wear the scarlet gown with burgundy velvet collar for official academic occasions. They graduate as a BSc or BSc (Hons) and so wear a black gown with a fuchsia hood trimmed with white fur. On graduation from Manchester
they are entitled to wear a black gown with scarlet hood trimmed with white fur, and black cap.
When postgraduate students graduate with the MD degree, they wear a black gown with a crimson hood with a white lining, alternatively they may wear a crimson gown.
in 1898. In 2010 however, the position was renamed The 'James Black Chair of Medicine', in honour of Sir James Whyte Black. Sadly however, two days after the announcement, Sir James died, leading to the University flying its flag at half mast.
Holders of the Bute Chair are known as Bute Professors and include:
, where Black had studied his initial degree in medicine
, unveiled that an honourary 'Sir James Black Chair of Medicine' would be created. This post remained unfilled for the reminder of the academic year 2009–2010. In September 2010 the first Chair of Medicine at the ancient University was given to Professor Stephen H Gillespie MD, DSc, FRCP (Edin), FRC Path, leaving his post as Professor of Medical Microbiology at UCL
.
Medical school (United Kingdom)
In the United Kingdom, medical school generally refers to a department within a university which is involved in the education of future medical practitioners...
at the University of St Andrews
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, informally referred to as "St Andrews", is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is situated in the town of St Andrews, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It was founded between...
in St Andrews
St Andrews
St Andrews is a university town and former royal burgh on the east coast of Fife in Scotland. The town is named after Saint Andrew the Apostle.St Andrews has a population of 16,680, making this the fifth largest settlement in Fife....
, Fife
Fife
Fife is a council area and former county of Scotland. It is situated between the Firth of Tay and the Firth of Forth, with inland boundaries to Perth and Kinross and Clackmannanshire...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
; it used to be known as the 'Bute Medical School' until the 2010–2011 academic year. Many staff and students however retain deep affection for the old building and so, for example, the medical society is still called The Bute Medical Society.
The early medical school
Medicine was the third subject to be taught at St Andrews UniversityUniversity of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, informally referred to as "St Andrews", is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is situated in the town of St Andrews, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It was founded between...
, at St Salvator's College
St Salvator's College, St Andrews
St Salvator's College of the University of St Andrews was founded in 1450 by Bishop James Kennedy on North Street, St Andrews. Several of these original medieval buildings survive, including the college chapel, tower, tenement building and the Hebdomodar's building...
and later the United College of St Salvator and St Leonard
United College, St Andrews
The United College is one of the two statutory colleges of the University of St Andrews in St Andrews, Scotland...
. Bishop Kennedy founded St Salvator's College
St Salvator's College, St Andrews
St Salvator's College of the University of St Andrews was founded in 1450 by Bishop James Kennedy on North Street, St Andrews. Several of these original medieval buildings survive, including the college chapel, tower, tenement building and the Hebdomodar's building...
in 1450, confirmed by a Papal Bull
Papal bull
A Papal bull is a particular type of letters patent or charter issued by a Pope of the Catholic Church. It is named after the bulla that was appended to the end in order to authenticate it....
in 1458.
From the 17th to the 19th centuries, medical degrees from St Andrews were awarded by an early version of distance learning. The university awarded the degree of MD
Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine is a doctoral degree for physicians. The degree is granted by medical schools...
to individuals who were usually already established in medical practice, the first being conferred in 1696. This degree was awarded on the basis of a testimonial written by a supervisor, and a fee was paid to the university. The whole process was conducted through the post, and the candidate did not have to visit the university. Recipients of the MD
Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine is a doctoral degree for physicians. The degree is granted by medical schools...
at this time include the infamous French Revolutionary, Jean-Paul Marat
Jean-Paul Marat
Jean-Paul Marat , born in the Principality of Neuchâtel, was a physician, political theorist, and scientist best known for his career in France as a radical journalist and politician during the French Revolution...
(1743–1793), who obtained his MD in 1775 for an essay on gonorrhea
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The usual symptoms in men are burning with urination and penile discharge. Women, on the other hand, are asymptomatic half the time or have vaginal discharge and pelvic pain...
, and Edward Jenner
Edward Jenner
Edward Anthony Jenner was an English scientist who studied his natural surroundings in Berkeley, Gloucestershire...
(1749–1823), who developed the first smallpox vaccine
Smallpox vaccine
The smallpox vaccine was the first successful vaccine to be developed. The process of vaccination was discovered by Edward Jenner in 1796, who acted upon his observation that milkmaids who caught the cowpox virus did not catch smallpox...
, and was awarded the MD in 1792.
In 1721, whilst Chancellor
Chancellor (education)
A chancellor or vice-chancellor is the chief executive of a university. Other titles are sometimes used, such as president or rector....
of the University, James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos
James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos
James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos, MP, PC was the first of fourteen children by Sir James Brydges, 3rd Baronet of Wilton Castle, Sheriff of Herefordshire, 8th Baron Chandos; and Elizabeth Barnard...
established the Chandos Chair of Medicine and Anatomy
Chandos Chair of Medicine and Anatomy
The Chandos Chair of Medicine and Anatomy is a Chair in Medicine and Anatomy of the University of St Andrews, Scotland. It was established in 1721, by a bequest of £1000 from James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos - then the Chancellor of the University...
, to fund the appointment of a Professor of Medicine and Anatomy at the university, and Thomas Simson
Thomas Simson
Thomas Simson was a Scottish medical academic at the University of St Andrews.-Life:He was born in 1696. He obtained the degree of MD from the University of Glasgow in 1720, and two years later, in 1722 was appointed as the first Chandos Professor of Medicine at St Salvator's College, University...
was appointed as the first Chandos Professor. The Chandos Chair still exists, although it has now become a chair of physiology.
In the early 19th century, examinations were introduced. Students had to visit St Andrews to sit them, but there was no teaching at the university.
The founding of the Bute Medical School
In 1897, as Rector of the University of St Andrews, the 3rd Marquess of ButeJohn Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute
John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute KT, KSG, KGCHS was a landed aristocrat, industrial magnate, antiquarian, scholar, philanthropist and architectural patron.-Early life:...
, in addition to his provident restorations of other university buildings, initiated the construction of the current Bute Medical Buildings, south of St Mary's College, completed in 1899. The buildings, much added to and modified, especially after a gift from Andrew Carnegie, built labs to the north (now the Carnegie Building). These provided for the establishment of a regular medical school, which both taught and examined medical students. The 3rd Marquess of Bute
John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute
John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute KT, KSG, KGCHS was a landed aristocrat, industrial magnate, antiquarian, scholar, philanthropist and architectural patron.-Early life:...
also provided for the establishment of a new chair of medicine—the Bute Chair of Medicine.
The St Andrews-Dundee course
In 1898, the University of St Andrews created the University College Dundee. Together, the Bute Medical School and clinical facilities at University College Dundee formed a conjoint medical school. Medical students could undertake their pre-clinical teaching at the Bute Medical School in St Andrews and then complete clinical training in DundeeDundee
Dundee is the fourth-largest city in Scotland and the 39th most populous settlement in the United Kingdom. It lies within the eastern central Lowlands on the north bank of the Firth of Tay, which feeds into the North Sea...
. Students were awarded the degree of MB ChB
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, or in Latin Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae , are the two first professional degrees awarded upon graduation from medical school in medicine and surgery by universities in various countries...
by the University of St Andrews.
In 1954, University College changed its name to Queen's College, but remained part of the University of St Andrews.
In August 1967, following recommendations by the Robbins Report
Robbins Report
The Robbins Report was commissioned by the British government and published in 1963. The Committee met from 1961 to 1963...
, the Universities (Scotland) Act 1966 came into force. This granted independent university status to the University of Dundee
University of Dundee
The University of Dundee is a university based in the city and Royal burgh of Dundee on eastern coast of the central Lowlands of Scotland and with a small number of institutions elsewhere....
, separating Queen's College from the University of St Andrews
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, informally referred to as "St Andrews", is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is situated in the town of St Andrews, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It was founded between...
. In many respects, the medical school at the University of Dundee
University of Dundee
The University of Dundee is a university based in the city and Royal burgh of Dundee on eastern coast of the central Lowlands of Scotland and with a small number of institutions elsewhere....
inherited the medical traditions of St Andrews University.
As the clinical medical school (along with other parts of the University of St Andrews including the Law faculty) had been based in Dundee, this left St Andrews
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, informally referred to as "St Andrews", is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is situated in the town of St Andrews, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It was founded between...
with no clinical medical school or teaching hospital. The Universities (Scotland) Act 1966 also removed the University of St Andrews
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, informally referred to as "St Andrews", is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is situated in the town of St Andrews, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It was founded between...
's right to award undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in medicine, including the MB ChB
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, or in Latin Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae , are the two first professional degrees awarded upon graduation from medical school in medicine and surgery by universities in various countries...
and MD
Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine is a doctoral degree for physicians. The degree is granted by medical schools...
. The right to award the MD has since been restored.
The link with Manchester Medical School
In order to continue to be able to teach medicine, St Andrews therefore established a new link with the English University of ManchesterUniversity of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a public research university located in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is a "red brick" university and a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive British universities and the N8 Group...
, in 1970 which was at that time seeking to enlarge its medical school. Students completed a three-year BSc in medical science at St Andrews
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, informally referred to as "St Andrews", is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is situated in the town of St Andrews, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It was founded between...
, and could optionally complete an extra intercalated year for the award of BSc Hons at St Andrews
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, informally referred to as "St Andrews", is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is situated in the town of St Andrews, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It was founded between...
, before completing their clinical training at the University of Manchester
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a public research university located in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is a "red brick" university and a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive British universities and the N8 Group...
, with the final MB ChB awarded by Manchester
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a public research university located in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is a "red brick" university and a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive British universities and the N8 Group...
. This arrangement has been under threat many times over the years.
For a brief period there was the option of completing clinical training at Keele University Medical School
Keele University Medical School
Keele University School of Medicine based at Keele University in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, England, was established in 2002. The first two years of the school's MBChB course are taught on Keele University campus...
in Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent , also called The Potteries is a city in Staffordshire, England, which forms a linear conurbation almost 12 miles long, with an area of . Together with the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme Stoke forms The Potteries Urban Area...
, and around twenty St Andrews graduates each year between 2002–2006 have gone to Keele University
Keele University
Keele University is a campus university near Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire, England. Founded in 1949 as an experimental college dedicated to a broad curriculum and interdisciplinary study, Keele is most notable for pioneering the dual honours degree in Britain...
. This option no longer exists.
A new style of teaching
Since September 2005, the Bute Medical School has offered a Bachelor of Science with honours in Medical Science (BSc Hons Med Sci).Major changes to the curriculum were made in 2000 with increased emphasis on psychology and cellular biology in the course, with the new curricula allowing for an honours degree to be attained after three years' study.
Teaching methods include lectures and practical classes, utilising self-directed learning and case-based learning. Examination methods include multiple-choice questions, short answers, and essays in written exams and OSPEs (Objective Structured Practical Exam). A research project is also required for completion of the honours degree—normally undertaken in third year of study.
A further three years' study is required to receive a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB, ChB), and requires training at a university that supports a clinical course—this extra training is known as phase 2. The course therefore takes an extra year in comparison to other Scottish universities.
Phase 2—Clinical Years
In 2004, Prof. Sir Kenneth CalmanKenneth Calman
Sir Kenneth Charles Calman, KCB, DL, FRSE is a Scottish cancer researcher and former Chief Medical Officer of Scotland, and then England. He was Warden and Vice-Chancellor of Durham University from 1998 to 2006, before becoming Chancellor of the University of Glasgow. He has held the position of...
's report into medical education recommended that medical graduates from St Andrews should remain in Scotland to complete their clinical medical education, and arising out of this, discussions about a link with University of Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university is deeply embedded in the fabric of the city, with many of the buildings in the historic Old Town belonging to the university...
have taken place.
The Board for Academic Medicine under Sir David Carter was established and tasked with, amongst other things, the implementation of these plans. Sir David Carter, Professor Hugh MacDougall (Dean of Medicine) and Professor Simon Guild (Director of Teaching, Depute Head of School) surveyed the capacity of other medical schools to accept St Andrews medical students.
For the 2012 cohort it is expected that the students who are allocated a "Scottish Route" place will be divided as follows:
- 27 students—University of Glasgow,
- 18 students—University of Edinburgh,
- 8 students—University of Dundee,
- 7 students—University of Aberdeen.
This began with a phased introduction of the students starting their St Andrews careers in 2007, with 55 progressing to the Scottish medical schools. This number has only rose marginally.
A remainder of 90 students would continue to go to Manchester, and be accepted into one of its four teaching hospitals. However, a small cohort of students progress to Cambridge or London teaching hospitals if so desired, or to pursue an MRes or PhD prior to continuing to a clinical school. Every student accepted to St Andrew is guaranteed a place for their clinical years at one of the 4 Scottish schools or Manchester schools.
Postgraduate
In 2002 the Scottish ParliamentScottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament is the devolved national, unicameral legislature of Scotland, located in the Holyrood area of the capital, Edinburgh. The Parliament, informally referred to as "Holyrood", is a democratically elected body comprising 129 members known as Members of the Scottish Parliament...
passed the University of St Andrews (Postgraduate Medical Degrees) Act 2002 which re-instated the university's right to award the postgraduate research degree of Medicinae Doctor (MD)
Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine is a doctoral degree for physicians. The degree is granted by medical schools...
to students who have completed two years of full-time or up to 5 years of part-time research, which had been removed by the Universities (Scotland) Act 1966. The first MD since 1967 was awarded in 2004.
Facilities—New Medical and Biological Sciences Building
The University of St Andrews’ new Medical and Biological Sciences Building brings together the medical school (relocated from the Bute Building), biologists, physicists and chemists, while also linking to the School of Physics and Astronomy via a first-floor bridge—making it one of the first medical schools in the UK to fully integrate research facilities across the sciences.The School, which has been built at a cost of £45m, contains state-of-the-art research laboratory space, as well as modern teaching facilities and a large lecture theatre. The new building allows for extensive inter-disciplinary medical research and is unique in the fact that it is physically linked to the Faculty of Science buildings.
Opening the building on Friday 12 November 2010, the First Minister Alex Salmond said:
“The University of St Andrews has a long, proud tradition in educational excellence and this £45 million state-of-the-art facility will bring together students across all science disciplines to create a rich collaborative environment. "Scotland’s scientists and researchers have made an immense contribution to shaping the modern world and this new facility will strengthen this reputation. It will not only attract new undergraduates to the University, educating our next generation of doctors, but will establish a hub for the creation of new medical research and breakthroughs. “This new building will be one of the first UK medical schools where research facilities are integrated across the sciences and this opening demonstrates how Scotland's oldest University remains at the forefront of innovation.”
The First Minister marked the occasion by unveiling a commemorative, meagre stump in the building’s courtyard. He was joined by Chancellor Sir Menzies Campbell MP, Principal and Vice Chancellor Professor Louise Richardson, Master of the United College Professor Neville Richardson, Dean of Medicine and Head of the School of Medicine Professor Hugh MacDougall, and Acting Head of the School of Biology Professor Mike Ritchie.
Medical Societies
Over recent years, many medical societies have been developed, alongside the historical Bute Medical Society, to help incorporate the clinical aspects into the course—one which was traditionally science based only. These societies include Surgical, Clinical and a MedsinMedsin
Medsin is a grassroots, student led organisation. Its vision is "A world where health is a universally realised human right" Its activities aim to "promote health as well as to act upon and educate students about health inequalities in our local and global communities."Formed in 1997, the...
group.
The Bute Medical Society
British Medical Association
The British Medical Association is the professional association and registered trade union for doctors in the United Kingdom. The association does not regulate or certify doctors, a responsibility which lies with the General Medical Council. The association’s headquarters are located in BMA House,...
, Medical Protection Society
Medical Protection Society
The Medical Protection Society is a not for profit organisation which offers legal and ethical help to medical and dental professionals...
, Medical Defence Union
Medical Defence Union
The Medical Defence Union is the largest medical defence union in the United Kingdom, and is one of three major medical defence organisations in the country.The MDU was established in 1885 and was the first of its kind in the world...
and Salford Student Homes. Fund raising events held throughout the year also enable the Society to contribute to charities.
Medsin
Medsin is a network of students with an interest in health, with branches at universities across the UK. Medsin's Activities aim to promote health as well as to act upon and educate students about health inequalities in our local and global communities. In St Andrews therefore, Medsin acts as an umbrella society, supporting new start-up projects.Projects include StopAids Campaign, Teddy Bear Hospital, Climate Change Awareness, and the Global Health Education Project (GHEP)
Malawi and The Global Health Education Project (GHEP)
The Global Health Education Project (GHEP) is an initiative set up within the School of Medicine at the University of St Andrews, independently by young, full-time medical students who collectively have interests in improving healthcare and education of medicine across the world.In 2008 the society was partially established with the aims of developing such interests, raising awareness of global health, and tackling issues that may hinder improvements in both education and deliverance of healthcare across the developing world.
Currently the project is heavily involved in establishing an exchange programme with the Malawian College of Medicine, taking full advantage of the University's long history in the country. Endorsed by the University of St Andrews, the Scottish SNP Government and Members of Parliament in the UK, the project has grown rapidly since its founding in 2008, and has now more than 200 members and an active committee.
Ten students have planned to visit the Malawian College of Medicine in July 2011 as part of GHEP and also as part of the first ever University of St Andrews
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, informally referred to as "St Andrews", is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is situated in the town of St Andrews, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It was founded between...
medical exchange.
The relationship between the University of St Andrews and the Malawian College of Medicine is over twenty years old. The College was founded upon the basis of previous medical training at St Andrews and many of the graduates of Medicine and of Health Care Management now hold the highest clinical and governmental positions in Malawi.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Bute Medical School staff and the College of Medicine was signed in March 2008, which outlines a collaboration between the two institutions over curriculum reform, curriculum support through improved infrastructure and IT resources and research networking and support. GHEP is however an entirely student run programe.
Other project activities include the running of Global Health Education Workshops/Module, which so far in 2010 have attracted more than 200 students, staff and visitors from the world of medicine and further afield. Titles covered so far this year by the group have included climate change, overpopulation, epidemics and elimination and the concept of good aid.
Surgical Society
In 2009, a small group of students set up the University's first surgical interest society. Since then, a multitude of lectures, skills workshops and anatomy revision tutorials have been run by the society and it continues to grow in size. The 'Robert Walmsley lecture' was created in 2011 as a yearly event held in the old Bute Buildings to commemorate this previous setting of the teaching of medicine in St Andrews; the inaugural lecture was delivered by Dr. David Sinclair.Research
Research at the Bute Medical School is mainly in the area of cancerCancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
. This includes research groups looking at predisposition to cancer, the influence of diet on cancer, the role of human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus is a member of the papillomavirus family of viruses that is capable of infecting humans. Like all papillomaviruses, HPVs establish productive infections only in keratinocytes of the skin or mucous membranes...
in the development of cancer, and psychological aspects of oral cancers. There is also research into molecular endocrinology, and some research in conjunction with research groups in the School of Physics, the School of Biology, and the Centre of Biomolecular Science.
Academic Dress
St Andrews undergraduate medical students are members of the United College of St Salvator and St LeonardUnited College, St Andrews
The United College is one of the two statutory colleges of the University of St Andrews in St Andrews, Scotland...
, and as such wear the scarlet gown with burgundy velvet collar for official academic occasions. They graduate as a BSc or BSc (Hons) and so wear a black gown with a fuchsia hood trimmed with white fur. On graduation from Manchester
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a public research university located in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is a "red brick" university and a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive British universities and the N8 Group...
they are entitled to wear a black gown with scarlet hood trimmed with white fur, and black cap.
When postgraduate students graduate with the MD degree, they wear a black gown with a crimson hood with a white lining, alternatively they may wear a crimson gown.
Famous alumni
Medical students at the University of St Andrews have included:- Sir Douglas BlackDouglas BlackSir Douglas Andrew Kilgour Black, was a physician in the United Kingdom, famous as the author of the Black Report.He was born in Shetland in 1913, and studied medicine at the Bute Medical School, University of St Andrews, graduating with MB ChB in 1933.He conducted research into water loss and...
(MB ChB 1933) Author of the Black ReportBlack ReportThe Black report was a 1980 document published by the Department of Health and Social Security in the United Kingdom, which was the report of the expert committee into health inequality chaired by Sir Douglas Black...
; former President of the Royal College of PhysiciansRoyal College of PhysiciansThe Royal College of Physicians of London was founded in 1518 as the College of Physicians by royal charter of King Henry VIII in 1518 - the first medical institution in England to receive a royal charter... - Sir James BlackJames W. BlackSir James Whyte Black, OM, FRS, FRSE, FRCP was a Scottish doctor and pharmacologist. He spent his career both as researcher and as an academic at several universities. Black established the physiology department at the University of Glasgow, where he became interested in the effects of adrenaline...
(MB ChB 1946) Inventor of Propanolol—a widely used beta blockerBeta blockerBeta blockers or beta-adrenergic blocking agents, beta-adrenergic antagonists, beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists or beta antagonists, are a class of drugs used for various indications. They are particularly for the management of cardiac arrhythmias, cardioprotection after myocardial infarction ,...
; Developer of CimetidineCimetidineCimetidine INN is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist that inhibits the production of acid in the stomach. It is largely used in the treatment of heartburn and peptic ulcers. It is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline under the trade name Tagamet...
and RanitidineRanitidineRanitidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist that inhibits stomach acid production. It is commonly used in treatment of peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease . Ranitidine is also used alongside fexofenadine and other antihistamines for the treatment of skin conditions...
—a widely used gastric Histamine receptor blocker used for excess HClHCLHCL or HCl can stand for:* Hairy cell leukemia, an uncommon and slowly progressing B cell leukemia* Hardware compatibility list...
secretion; Nobel Prize winner; ChancellorChancellor (education)A chancellor or vice-chancellor is the chief executive of a university. Other titles are sometimes used, such as president or rector....
of the University of DundeeUniversity of DundeeThe University of Dundee is a university based in the city and Royal burgh of Dundee on eastern coast of the central Lowlands of Scotland and with a small number of institutions elsewhere....
The Bute Chair
The Bute Chair was established by John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of ButeJohn Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute
John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute KT, KSG, KGCHS was a landed aristocrat, industrial magnate, antiquarian, scholar, philanthropist and architectural patron.-Early life:...
in 1898. In 2010 however, the position was renamed The 'James Black Chair of Medicine', in honour of Sir James Whyte Black. Sadly however, two days after the announcement, Sir James died, leading to the University flying its flag at half mast.
Holders of the Bute Chair are known as Bute Professors and include:
- 1901–1914 James Musgrove
- 1914–1946 David Waterston
- 1946–1973 Robert Walmsley
- 1973–1996 David Brynmor Thomas
- 2003–present Robert Hugh MacDougall
Sir James Black Chair of Medicine
In 2010 the Bute Medical School of the University of St AndrewsUniversity of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, informally referred to as "St Andrews", is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is situated in the town of St Andrews, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It was founded between...
, where Black had studied his initial degree in medicine
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
, unveiled that an honourary 'Sir James Black Chair of Medicine' would be created. This post remained unfilled for the reminder of the academic year 2009–2010. In September 2010 the first Chair of Medicine at the ancient University was given to Professor Stephen H Gillespie MD, DSc, FRCP (Edin), FRC Path, leaving his post as Professor of Medical Microbiology at UCL
University College London
University College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom and the oldest and largest constituent college of the federal University of London...
.
External links
- The University of St Andrews School of Medicine
- The University of St Andrews
- The Bute Medical Society
- Information for Prospective Students
- Phyto-oestrogen database constructed and validated by Dr. Margaret R. Ritchie, member of the Cancer Biology Group, Social Dimensions of Health Institute Diet and Cancer Initiative, Bute Medical School
- New Media Medicine Forum
- Meducation St Andrews Page
- Map