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Meet the Editor-In-Chief
No full textI am delighted to have been voted Surgo’s Editor-in-Chief for 2025/26 at MedChir’s Annual General Meeting! I am excited to continue the legacy that Danyaal has left us, continuing to inform, educate and entertain members of the medical school and beyond.
Expect interesting stories, student experiences and events to feature in Surgo, with more reader engagement through interactive competitions and collaboration with clubs and societies.
Look forward to big things over the coming year, not least our fresh new format, but new regular features and quizzes to keep you on top of all things Glasgow medicine.
This edition, read about a pioneering public health academic, who transformed the management of upper GI bleeds, student electives, humanitarian missions overseas and exciting new societies which are having a positive impact on improved accessibility to medical school; to name a few!
Alongside an excellent committee, I want to make Surgo the cornerstone of our shared medical school experience and a source of support to help people get through the throes that come with it!
Innes Crawford
Surgo Editor-in-Chief 2025-202
Enhancing Equity in Medical Education
No full textWidening access to medical education is a key priority for medical schools. Historically, there has been a stereotype of who becomes a medical student, which is no longer aligned with society today. Only four percent of doctors come from a working-class background¹ — a striking statistic which is often overlooked at a national level. It is crucial that doctors represent the population, to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and ultimately improve health outcomes.
The challenge of pursuing a medical career often starts in schools. Many from non-selective state schools face barriers when applying to medical school. There is often a lack of awareness of the application deadlines and selection process, which can lead to initial difficulties in applying. It is encouraging to see widening participation initiatives, such as the Reach programme, being implemented to overcome these barriers.
However, the need for support doesn’t stop after admission. Medical students from widening participation backgrounds continue to face challenges throughout their time at medical school and beyond. Recognising these challenges is vital to understanding students’ experiences. Medical students from widening participation backgrounds are more likely to face mental health challenges².
Imposter syndrome can make it difficult to establish a sense of belonging. Many may not be able to relate to their peers, which can perpetuate feelings of loneliness and isolation. A recent study has shown that a medical student’s background is associated with their specialty choice³, highlighting the lasting impact of background on career pathways.
Understanding these ongoing challenges has driven national research initiatives. The National Medical Schools Widening Participation Forum conference in Glasgow provided a valuable opportunity to learn about the ongoing research in this area and connect with likeminded individuals committed to enhancing equity in medical education.
Glasgow University Widening Access to Medicine Student Society aims to provide support for widening participation students across the medical school. Our key aims are to foster community, reduce isolation and help students connect with peers from similar backgrounds. We aim to support medical students across all years by providing education, career networking events and mentorship opportunities.
Exemplary work across the UK has sought to understand the barriers to medical education. However, with so few doctors from a working-class background¹, there is a long way to go until equity is achieved. Key priorities moving forward include defining widening participation parameters and targeting support at the most under-represented groups. Further research into the challenges faced by widening participation students is needed to improve retention and support. Overall, doctors will truly represent society when opportunity is no longer limited by background.
References:
1.White C. Just 4% of UK doctors come from working class backgrounds. BMJ. 2016;355:i6330.
2.Ravulapalli KC, Arroyave Caicedo NM, Zahra D, Mirza M. Quantitative Analysis of Challenges Encountered by UK Widening Participation Medical Students in Comparison With Their Non-Widening Participation Peers. J Med Educ Curric Dev. 2024;11:23821205241249012.
3.Ashley L, McDonald I. When the Penny Drops: Understanding how social class influences speciality careers in the UK medical profession. Soc Sci Med. 2024;348:116747
The Professor Stuart McDonald Anatomy Drawing Award
No full textProfessor Stuart McDonald was professor of Forensic and Clinical Anatomy at the University of Glasgow for over forty years and taught anatomy to numerous medical, dental and science students during his lifetime. To commemorate his invaluable memory, the Head and Neck anatomy drawing award was created. The intricacy and organic art of the human body is admirable to many, if not all students who study anatomy, and this award is a touching reminder of the indispensable relationship between art and science.
The award is open each year for all year two Medical Students, year three Dentistry Students and year three BSc Honours Anatomy Students with the winner being awarded a prize of £200 and a certificate of achievement. The judges’ criteria included originality, creativity and anatomical accuracy – which were used when deciding upon a winner.
The winner of this year\u27s award was current Year three Medical Student Elliot McColgan for his original and intricately labelled pencil drawing of the muscles of facial expression. I would also like to congratulate the two joint runners up Zainab Mahmod and Ameerah Gardee as well as highly commended Linda McVey, Ruby McGill and Zaren Nacario. Each student\u27s entry displayed an impressive level of creativity and talent.
I managed to speak to Elliot, who explained that he drew his admission during the lighter final week of the Head Neck and Neuro block, and this allowed him to dedicate more time to his art. As this was the last week of teaching before the Easter break, Elliot commented that the process of creating his drawing was a helpful way to consolidate his understanding of the position and unique function of each muscle associated with facial expression. Drawn in coloured pencil, Elliot said he chose this as his preferred medium as it was the most efficient way to add the layers of detail needed to accurately depict the muscles of facial expression. There is so much content to learn and memorise when studying human anatomy, so it can be helpful to explore a variety of learning techniques. This could include drawings, paintings, mind-maps, flashcards, mnemonics, learning in groups of friends, teaching others or even creating games. Each student will find different methods more effective than others, and it is appreciable that the University of Glasgow actively encourages all Anatomy students to incorporate drawing and art into weekly learning. The introduction of the Stuart McDonald Anatomy Drawing award is a genuine celebration of the interconnectedness of art and science.
For as long as I can remember I have loved art. I think this partly fuelled my interest in medicine as fundamentally, it integrates both scientific and artistic principles. There is not always a formula or ‘correct answer’. This is perhaps best seen in holistic healthcare, where evidence-based medicine is balanced with an emphasis on patient individuality, considering their physical, social and psychological needs. This appreciation for the mix between subjectivity and precision has shaped my interest in pursuing a career in plastic surgery and is ultimately why I chose to focus on the muscles of facial expression. It strengthens knowledge that will be essential later on and explores an aspect of human anatomy I find fascinating. Drawing has become an enjoyable and rewarding method of learning that I have incorporated into my revision. It allows me to look at things from a different, more detailed, perspective. This process led me to an ongoing discussion, whether the muscle of facial expression, ‘Depressor Supercilii’ is a distinct muscle, contributing to eyebrow depression, or actually part of ‘Corrugator Supercilii’ or ‘Orbicularis Oculi\u27. Engaging with this broadened my overall appreciation of the anatomy and highlighted that medicine is full of nuance and interpretation. To me, that is where its artistry stands out
The Wolfson Says Goodbye to a Glasgow Great
No full textIn July, students and staff at the University of Glasgow were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr Des Gilmore, an honorary lecturer at the University of Glasgow. A reproductive physiologist by trade, Dr Gilmore was a passionate academic and educator, contributing to medical and veterinary research across the globe and training countless generations of future scientists and doctors. Just as remarkable as this was his commitment to student welfare; taking a genuine interest into the livelihoods of his students and offering support using his vast experience.
Arriving in Glasgow in 1972, following a PhD in his native Canterbury, Christchurch and post-doctoral fellowships in London and Massachusetts, he quickly immersed himself in the Glaswegian culture. A keen sportsman, he he joined the University Hares and Hounds Running club where he became Secretary and latterly President; a position he held proudly for thirty-seven years. Des was also a well-known Stevenson gym attendee and GUSA ball frequenter who always had time for a chat.
Despite retiring in 2006, his commitments to the University never stopped there, choosing to facilitate medicine problem-based-learning sessions and running student selected components such as bouldering. His ability to engage students during these sessions with anecdotes and exhibits was unparalleled.
Des was a man of many stories and a genuine good guy who will be sorely missed. He knew the challenges that surrounded studying in a demanding academic environment and dealt with this in the best way he knew how - good craic.
Reference:
1.University of Glasgow - MyGlasgow - MyGlasgow News - Archives - 2014 - July - Queen’s Baton - 21 July [Internet]. Gla.ac.uk. 2025 [cited 2025 Sep 14]. :https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/news/archives/2014/july/headline_348177_en.html
Report of the Business Archives Surveying Officer for Scotland 2023-4
Full text linkThis article provides a report of the Business Archive Surveying Officer\u27s activities in Scotland for 2023 to 2024.
The Pulse of Emotion
Full text linkAmy O’Sullivan is a graduate of the University of Glasgow and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Cardiovascular Science. Inthis short story, she explores the nuances of heart rate variability, inspired by her fascination with the cardiovascular system and the poetic nature of its physiology. Her work reflects on how this physiology shapes our daily lives
Glen Mhor Distillery, Inverness: Research in Progress
Full text linkJason Julier’s piece is on Glen Mhor distillery and his website www.glenmhorwhisky.com where he has worked to collect and collate materials relating to the distillery into an online repository. Jason started this archive as a passion project in 2021 relying on being able to source materials from a variety of different places, meaning it is not a typical business archive created by professional archivists. Nevertheless, Jason’s piece provides us with another aspect on the relationship between businesses and archives which resides in the informal space where collectors and amateur archivists come together (facilitated in no small part by modern technology such as blogging platforms) to create something accessible which would otherwise be lost to time. Collecting and collating materials from disparate sources, Jason has worked for several years to develop the website into a repository of digitised archival materials including photographs, records, letters, and short biographies relating to the inverness-based distillery that operated from 1892 until it closed in 1983. In his article he provides a reflection on how the archive came into being, the processes by which he was able to develop it, and some of his reasoning for undertaking the work. What is interesting about Jason’s story and approach is his refusal to turn the work into a book, but instead to have it as a living and evolving archive which can be added to, repositioned, and reconfigured in different ways as and when new materials become available.
The whisky industry has numerous different projects and books written by amateur archivists and historians, driven by their interest in the industry and particular distilleries and brands. Their invaluable work in creating archives through cataloguing materials that are otherwise often either lost or locked away allows for wider and deeper interrogation of one of Scotland’s most iconic and important industries which has been historically difficult to access. Technology plays a critical role in this with the internet offering both a place for hosting and accessing materials through formal and informal networks. Jason Julier’s article details how his work on Glen Mhor has benefitted both technology and the goodwill of people in supporting the creation of this fascinating and easily accessed archive
200 Years Young: A Spotlight on Heritage at The Macallan
Full text linkThe Macallan Speyside single malt Scotch whisky celebrated ‘200 Years Young’ in 2024. Founded by teacher, farmer and distiller Alexander Reid in 1824, there are many moments to celebrate and stories to tell. A programme of celebrations and product releases throughout the year honoured The Macallan’s legacy, all underpinned by a rich and diverse business archive collection which documents the company’s heritage, creativity and craftsmanship. Having been formally established in 2018, The Macallan Heritage is far more than a source of inspiration for the brand. The collection encompasses the stories of the people and places that have built and shaped The Macallan; evidences the evolution of the brand’s DNA; and documents the journey of The Macallan products. Written from an archivist’s perspective, this article provides an overview of the formation and growth of a unique business archive and presents a reflective insight into the development process of an anniversary publication. To set the scene for the significance of The Macallan’s 200th anniversary, it is first necessary to give an overview of the company’s heritage and provide some context for its place in the wider Scotch whisky industry. From this, it is possible to see how the development of The Macallan culminated in the wide-ranging celebrations which took place in 2024, each element of which is inspired by characters, traditions and milestones from its past, with an eye firmly on its future legacy
The ORCID Advocacy Toolkit: Towards a Community-Driven Resource
Full text linkThis paper introduces the ORCID Advocacy Toolkit, a community-driven resource designed to support institutions in the successful adoption of ORCID iDs. Recognizing that effective advocacy requires both clear messaging and practical materials, the Advocacy Toolkit was developed through a collaborative, co-creation process involving librarians, research managers, and consortium members. Early stages focused on gathering existing advocacy content—such as templates, policy documents, and communication strategies—and identifying gaps in coverage. By hosting writing sprints and inviting broad participation, the project drew on diverse expertise to build a dynamic Wikibook suitable for institutions with varying needs and levels of ORCID experience. The establishment of an Editorial Board ensures ongoing updates, structured contributions, and alignment with emerging community requirements. In addition to highlighting common barriers to ORCID uptake—like low awareness or fragmented communication—the paper examines how flexible frameworks and peer-driven content can help overcome these challenges. Ultimately, the ORCID Advocacy Toolkit champions the principle of “from the community, for the community,” providing a sustainable, evolving resource that strengthens the open research ecosystem by supporting researcher recognition, knowledge sharing, and global collaboration
The Thymus Elite Training Program: Journey of a naïve T cell
Full text linkHannah Eadie turns the science of T cell maturation into storytelling after discovering that just 2% of thymocytes survive. Her narrative reimagines this process as an elite training camp where only the strongest cells emerge prepared for immune defence