Welcome to College Voice

Welcome to College Voice. In this special edition we celebrate 425 years of innovation, looking back at some of the leading figures who have shaped our history, and featuring the inspiring voices of those making an impact today.

We trace our history through the extraordinary achievements of our past Fellows and Members. Beginning with the founding of the College by Maister Peter Lowe in 1599, to the present day with Professor Jeremy Bagg, who helped to establish Malawi’s first dental school (p.16). In that time, our College has set the stage for some of the most important advancements in medical history.

We reflect on the pioneering work of Scottish surgeon William Macewen (p.06) and the co-development of the world-renowned Glasgow Coma Scale by former College President, Sir Graham Teasdale (p.12).

We also share images of a new portrait of Jamini Sen, our first female Fellow. Originally from West Bengal, India, Sen was a champion for women in medicine and we are proud to celebrate her remarkable life and work (p.22).

As we celebrate our rich history, it is important that we also look to the future. This year’s Physicians’ Census revealed the mounting pressure which remains on our health service, exacerbated by the fight against widening health inequalities (p.14). In response, we hear from a doctor and a dentist in training on their vision for the future of the NHS and how we can bring about change (p.29).

As a College community, we will continue to innovate to improve the lives of our patients – and the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Mr Mike McKirdy President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow