‘Lost medics’ to graduate

A group of doctors who studied medicine at the University of St Andrews will finally graduate this summer – more than 30 years after embarking on their course.

The University will honour the 30 ‘lost medics’ at this year’s summer Graduations in a move to correct an anomaly that saw them slip through the net three decades ago.

The doctors will receive a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree at the graduation ceremony on Friday 27th June, 2003. The June event will have a distinctly medical flavour since eminent physicians Sir Graham Catto and Professor Kenneth Lowe will be awarded honorary degrees on the same day.

The University stopped teaching a full medical course in 1972 after a new university and medical school were established in nearby Dundee. Because the students who began their medical studies in 1967 matriculated one week after Dundee University was formed, they could not graduate at St Andrews. Instead, they graduated with a MBChB degree from Dundee in 1973.

As the class of 1967 prepared for their 30 year reunion this year, they light-heartedly approached the University asking for some recognition of their time at the ancient University. They were delighted when Principal and Vice- Chancellor, Dr Brian Lang agreed to rectify the anomaly as part of the group’s reunion celebrations.

One of the class, Dundee GP Alex Watson, said he was delighted to have some formal recognition that he had spent time at St Andrews. ‘We loved being at the university and played a very full part in the life there. We all acknowledge the excellent education we had at St Andrews and have an intense sense of loyalty to and love of that institution,’ he said.

Professor Colin A. Vincent, Master of the United College of the University of St.Andrews, said:

‘The University of St Andrews is pleased to offer our ‘lost medics’ the opportunity to graduate at long last and become part of the St Andrews family of alumni.’

‘I understand that I taught this class in 1967, my first year as a Lecturer at the University . It will be very nice to see them graduate this summer some 33 years later.’

Since 1974, the University has offered a three- year general and four-year honours BSc degree in Medical Science as part of a long- established, joint BSc / MBChB course which is completed at the University of Manchester.

The University also recently reinstated its MD degree and the Bute Medical School. The MD was reinstated by Act of the Scottish Parliament at the end of 2002 and will provide opportunities for medically qualified candidates to undertake research projects in association with St Andrews scientists and making use of the University’s extensive state-of- the-art laboratory facilities.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The ‘Lost Medics’ will graduate during the Friday 27th June morning ceremony at the Younger Hall. Further information will be release before the event.

Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews Contact Gayle Cook on 01334 467227, mobile 07900 050103, or email [email protected] Ref: lost medics pr 180403 View the latest University news at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk