Education in Edinburgh has long been of a remarkably high standard. This phenomenon was fostered by the presence of various educational institutions with rich traditions and, of course, a unique approach to the educational process. Indeed, if one considers the number of schools, colleges, universities, and academies in Edinburgh, a clear pattern emerges: many of them boast centuries of history. They can rightly be considered witnesses to key events in the past, not only of Edinburgh but of Scotland as a whole. Read more about at edinburgh1.one.
The University of Edinburgh Medical School (also known as Edinburgh Medical School) is the medical school of the University of Edinburgh and part of its College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. It was founded in 1726 during the Scottish Enlightenment, making it one of the oldest medical schools not only in the United Kingdom but in the entire English-speaking world.
A Pioneer in Medical Studies
Although the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh was only formally established in 1726, the teaching of medicine in the city dates back to the early 16th century. This development was largely driven by the founding of The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh in 1681. Interestingly, the approach to teaching medicine was borrowed from the University of Padua and later, Leiden University. This was done to attract both foreign and Scottish students.
Anatomy as the Foundation of Medical Education
The Renaissance brought with it several changes. In particular, the main focus of medical education shifted to anatomy. For this reason, Alexander Monro (primus) was appointed Professor of Anatomy in 1720. Remarkably, his son and grandson succeeded him in this post for many decades to come. Later, the medical faculty was expanded with the addition of four more professorships.
Factors Crucial to its Success
Overall, the successful teaching of medicine (and surgery in particular) owed much of its success to the establishment of the first teaching hospital and the work of the city’s physicians. By 1764, the number of medical students had grown significantly. From the 18th century until the start of the First World War, Edinburgh Medical School was considered the best in the English-speaking world, even attracting students from America.
The Crucial Role of the Teaching Hospital
As mentioned above, a dedicated teaching hospital played a vital role in the advancement of medical education. The Edinburgh Infirmary for the Sick Poor was initially founded not only for educational but also for charitable purposes. The project was led by Alexander Monro, whose vision and ideas were actively supported by the local politician George Drummond.
The Edinburgh Royal Infirmary was allocated a building by the University of Edinburgh. In addition to a nurse, volunteer physicians and surgeons saw patients there. As of August 1729, only four beds were available. The question of expansion therefore became acute. In 1738, the architect William Adam began work on a new hospital. The new building, which opened in 1741, had 228 beds. It also featured wards for the mentally ill and a spacious surgical operating theatre that could accommodate 200 students. However, the problem of overcrowding once again became an issue, leading to the design of a new building – The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh at the Epicentre of the Campaign for Women’s Education
It is fair to note another interesting fact connected with the history of Edinburgh Medical School. It concerns Sophia Jex-Blake – a doctor, educator, and feminist. It was she who led the campaign to grant women the right to a university education. In 1869, Sophia was reluctantly admitted to a limited number of classes at the medical school. However, full gender equality at Edinburgh Medical School was only achieved 20 years later.
The ‘Edinburgh Model’ of Teaching
Of course, when discussing Edinburgh Medical School, it is important to mention its teaching approach. Back in the 18th century, the University of Edinburgh developed its own unique model of medical training. This model was later adopted and widely used around the world, including at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
It was a two-tiered educational model that harmonised perfectly with the medical system of Great Britain at the time. It was distinctive in that it offered students the chance to study all branches of science, not just those directly related to medicine. Edinburgh could boast the widest choice of courses.
Interestingly, this two-tiered model made it possible for many to enter Edinburgh Medical School, but only a select few could graduate. Why? Because the rules for obtaining a degree were extremely strict. Students were required to attend all lectures, except for midwifery (though this was also strongly encouraged). It was also necessary to study for at least three years and pass oral and written exams in Latin. A further mandatory condition was the writing of a dissertation and its defence before the entire faculty.
As a result, most students attended Edinburgh Medical School for only one year to study medicine. Firstly, fulfilling all the above conditions was not easy. And secondly, a degree was not required to enter medical practice.
Evolution of the Curriculum
Over time, the model developed by Edinburgh evolved into a more formal university curriculum for medical education. In 1825, the period of study increased from three to four years. And in 1833, English replaced Latin as the language of examination.
A Lasting Legacy
Thus, the University of Edinburgh Medical School stands as one of the oldest not only in Scotland but in the entire world. The teaching traditions established there became the gold standard for competent and effective medical science education. And, of course, the success of its graduates has long demonstrated the high standards of this esteemed school.