Edinburgh Medical School

06/01/2026

Welcome back, we hope you were able to have an enjoyable break!

2026 is a significant year for our Medical School as it marks 300 years of medical education at Edinburgh.

We have a range of activities and exhibitions planned throughout the year which you are welcome to attend and get involved in.

Find out more about what is coming up👉 edin.ac/ems300

19/12/2025

As the winter break approaches, please note that the University will close at 5pm on Tuesday 23 December and reopen at 9am on Monday 5 January.

While many buildings and offices will be closed, core services will continue to operate throughout the holiday period.

Libraries will run on a reduced timetable, with some closures on public holidays, check individual library opening times in
advance.

Student support remains available and students in University-managed accommodation can look out for Residence Life events over the break, with urgent and non-urgent support contacts available.

Please plan ahead, check specific service opening hours, and remember that support is still available if you need it.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful winter break ✨

Visit the University website for festive closure information and dates 👉 https://edin.ac/4j5XW6B

02/12/2025

Our MBChB Class of 1981 recently returned to the Edinburgh Futures Institute for their 44-year reunion. They enjoyed catching up over tea and coffee, heard from Professor Kev Dhaliwal about the building’s transformation from the Old Royal Infirmary, and learned about today’s MBChB programme while meeting some of our current students.

A big thank you to our team and student ambassadors for leading the tours, and to everyone who joined us before the class of 1981 continued their evening at the City Chambers! 🎓

25/11/2025

25/11/2025

Calling all alumni! Next year we will be marking 300 years of medicine at Edinburgh, and we are excited to invite you to be part of our alumni weekends on 24-26 April 2026 and 2-4 October 2026.

Visit our website to see the newly launched programme for the weekends and book your sessions: https://edin.ac/49Ig0kD

Both weekends will include opportunities to hear from inspiring alumni, learn about the latest research developments, reconnect with classmates and make new connections.

Studied with us and haven’t received your invite? Get in touch with us at medicalschool300@ed.ac.uk to ensure that your alumni contact details are up to date. hashtag

18/11/2025

Congratulations to one of our third year MBChB students, Connie Roxburgh on being announced as captain of the Scotland U21 women squad for the 2025 junior hockey world cup. Wishing you all the best! 🏑

12/11/2025

We recently hosted a reunion for the MBChB class of 1980! 🎓

Welcoming alumni back for a weekend of reconnection and reflection. Highlights included exclusive tours of the Teviot Row House redevelopment and Edinburgh Futures Institute. Alumni were also given a surprise test modelled on the Medical Licensing Assessment in the Anatomy Lecture Theatre!

31/10/2025

Today, on the last day of Black History Month we honour Dr Agnes Yewande Savage, the first West African woman to qualify in medicine, and a remarkable figure whose contributions to medicine and education shaped Ghanaian institutions and inspired generations of women across Africa.

Born in Edinburgh to a Nigerian father and a Scottish mother, she lived on Buccleuch Place, a street familiar to many of us today!

Dr Savage excelled at the University of Edinburgh, earning first-class honours and becoming the first woman to win the medal in Forensic Medicine. Yet despite her brilliance, she faced systemic racism and gender discrimination throughout her career.

When appointed as a medical officer in colonial Ghana, she was paid less than her less-qualified white peers and housed in servants’ quarters. Undeterred, she went on to establish the nurses’ training school at Korle Bu Hospital, advocate for equality, and become a role model for countless women in medicine.

Dr Savage’s story reminds us that representation and equity are not seasonal conversations, they are ongoing commitments. As Black History Month ends, we’re reminded that this story, and the lessons it carries, deserve to be remembered all year long.

31/10/2025

Today, on the last day of Black History Month we honour Dr Agnes Yewande Savage, the first West African woman to qualify in medicine, and a remarkable figure whose contributions to medicine and education shaped Ghanaian institutions and inspired generations of women across Africa.
Born in Edinburgh to a Nigerian father and a Scottish mother, she lived on Buccleuch Place, a street familiar to many of us today!
Dr Savage excelled at the University of Edinburgh, earning first-class honours and becoming the first woman to win the medal in Forensic Medicine. Yet despite her brilliance, she faced systemic racism and gender discrimination throughout her career.
When appointed as a medical officer in colonial Ghana, she was paid less than her less-qualified white peers and housed in servants’ quarters. Undeterred, she went on to establish the nurses’ training school at Korle Bu Hospital, advocate for equality, and become a role model for countless women in medicine.
Dr Savage’s story reminds us that representation, resilience, and equity are not seasonal conversations, they are ongoing commitments. As Black History Month ends, we’re reminded that this story, and the lessons it carries, deserve to be remembered all year long.

17/10/2025

To mark World Anatomy Day this week, hear from Christopher (MSc Human Anatomy graduate) on how full-body dissection and hands-on teaching of undergraduates shaped his understanding of anatomy and prepared him for the next step in his career.

Thinking about developing your skills in anatomy? Staff from our on-campus MSc programmes in Human Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy will be introducing the programmes and answering your questions at our Postgraduate Virtual Open Days, 19-21 November. The session 'Why Choose a Masters in Clinical or Human Anatomy at Edinburgh?' is on Thursday 20 November at 11am UK time. Register now to take part!

16/10/2025

🎓 A day in the life of a PhD student at The University of Edinburgh 📆

Areej starts early – prayers and coffee around 6am or 7am – then heads into a focused 6-7 hour work block. After she is done for the day, she makes time to see friends and spend long video calls with family back home in Saudi Arabia. The final hour is just for her: no phone, no screens, simply reflection.

Thinking about a PhD or master's by research? You could join our diverse research community and shape the future of your field.

15/10/2025

Eleni, Filip, Denise and Fiona share their experiences of learning online at The University of Edinburgh – how they balanced study with work and family, built confidence in trial design and management and mapped clear next steps in their careers.

If you're curious about how new treatments move from idea to patient care, this is a great place to start. Our graduates offer practical insights into flexible online learning, the value of a global cohort and how the dissertation year can turn learning into impact.