University of Glasgow Medical School

Glasgow Medical School is the medical school of the University of Glasgow, and offers a 5 year MBChB degree course.

History
Robert Mayne MA was appointed the Professor of Medicine in 1637 and held this post until 1645. After a lapse of almost 70 years, John Johnstoun MD was appointed in 1714. However, the modern medical school did not come into being until 1751, when William Cullen was appointed Professor of Medicine.

The Faculty of Medicine (and the rest of the University) moved from it original location in High Street, to Gilmorehill in the city's west end in 1870.

In 1996, the medical school introduced a new curriculum. In response to the GMC document 'Tomorrow's Doctors', the new course was integrated and delivered by Problem-based learning.

In 2002, the medical school moved into the purpose built Wolfson Medical School Building located at the bottom of University Avenue.

The Core (Years 1-3)
This is an integrated programme of clinical and scientific topics. The material covered has been selected to provide a comprehensive overview of medical and scientific principles. The knowledge component of the curriculum relies largely on Problem-based learning. It is seen as a preparation for a professional career based on lifelong learning. The programme has been developed by NHS and academic clinical staff working with scientists from the Faculties of Medicine and Biomedical & Life Sciences at the University.

Each year is split into 5 week blocks in which the PBL sessions, labs and plenaries all relate to a specific system or theme:

Year 1

 * Block 1 - Hierarchy of Systems, Core Values in Medicine
 * Block 2 - Elementary Topography
 * Block 3 and 4 - Determinants of Health; Disease Patterns; Nutrition, Metabolism, Growth and Development
 * Block 5 - Homeostasis
 * Block 6 - Risks and Responses

Year 2

 * Block 7 - Conception, Growth and Development
 * Block 8 - Musculoskeletal and Neurological Systems
 * Block 9 - Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Renal Systems
 * Block 10 - Digestion and Metabolism
 * Block 11 - Regulation and Responses

Year 3

 * Block 12 - Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
 * Block 13 - Haematology, Musculoskeletal Systems, Dermatology
 * Block 14 - Neurology, Psychiatry
 * Block 15 - Abdomen and Breast

Student Selected Modules
Student selected modules (SSM) constitute approximately 20% of the structured course time and are designed to allow the selection and in depth study of special interest subjects. A wide variety of topics for study are available. Increasingly, students are proposing their own SSMs and in addition there is the facility for an SSM to be linked to an elective, allowing for projects to be carried out overseas or a small research project to be completed.

Vocational Studies and Clinical Skills
Within the Glasgow course students have early contact with patients. Training in communication and clinical skills starts in Year 1. The vocational skills component also deals with topics relating to professional standards and behaviour.

Years 4 & 5
Years 4 and 5 form the final part of the core and take the form of a series of clinical attachments through Medicine, Surgery, Psychological Medicine, Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and General Practice. A series of Academic Days during the clinical attachments continues the process of integrating the biological and clinical sciences. Continuing training is given in both communication skills and clinical skills.

Wolfson Medical School Building
The purpose build Wolfson Medical School Building opened in September 2002, designed by Reiach and Hall Architects at a cost of £9m. Its facilities include:



Study Landscape
The Walton Foundation Library and Resource Area (also known as the Study Landscape) occupies three levels of the building and is open to medical students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It offers a wide variety of resources:
 * 120 study carrels (booths)
 * Access to over 3000 books, including multiple copies of Core texts.
 * 120 flat screen computers
 * CD-ROMs and Computer Aided Learning packages
 * video recorders and DVD players for Clinical Skills videos/DVDs
 * 6 project rooms

Clinical Skills
Clinical Skills is made up from a fully equipped ward and side rooms complete with audio visual equipment, allowing student to document, analyse and improve their performance. This area also contains Harvey (a cardiology patient simulator which can help students to diagnose cariac abnormalities) and Sim-man (a life support patient simulator).

Seminar Rooms
Three mini lecture theatres which can hold around 80 people each.

PBL Rooms
The 10 PBL rooms are furnished with tables, chairs, AV equipment and white boards to allow small group work.

The Atrium
The central triangle of the medical school, covered by a glass roof and with its own café and seating area.

Associatied Hospitals
Hospitals that are associated with the Medical School include:


 * Ayr Hospital
 * Crosshouse Hospital
 * Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary
 * Gartnavel General Hospital
 * Glasgow Royal Infirmary
 * Hairmyres Hospital
 * Monklands Hospital
 * Royal Alexandra Hospital
 * Royal Hospital for Sick Children
 * Southern General Hospital
 * Stobhill Hospital
 * Stirling Royal Infirmary
 * Victoria Infirmary
 * Western Infirmary

Famous alumni
Past students of the University of Glasgow Medical School include:
 * Dr Harry Burns (Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, 2005-present)
 * Dr Ernest Macalpine ("Mac") Armstrong (Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, 2000-2005)
 * Prof Sir Kenneth Calman (Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, 1989-1991; Chief Medical Officer, United Kingdom of England, 1991-1998; Vice Chancellor of Durham University, 1998-2007)
 * Dr Archibald Joseph Cronin (Novelist; author of The Citadel and The Stars Look Down)
 * Dr Liam Fox ''(Conservative politician; Shadow Defence Secretary; MP for Woodspring)