College community pays tribute to leading light in anatomy education

01 Jun 2023

The College community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Stuart McDonald, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, and Professor of Forensic and Clinical Anatomy at the University of Glasgow.

During his distinguished academic career, Professor McDonald taught and inspired countless students and played a pivotal role in the College’s surgical exams and education.

He was the lead anatomist on the Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE) and played a major role in the MRCS exams for many years. In previous years, he was an examiner for the MFDS exam, as well as contributing to the development of anatomy questions.

He was also a member of the College’s Heritage Committee from 2006 to 2018, where he contributed to significant improvements to the library and heritage, including the award of museum accreditation in 2015.

Mike McKirdy, President of the College, said: “Stuart had a long relationship with the College and was well-known and respected across dentistry and surgery. He was a dedicated teacher of anatomy and will be remembered fondly by generations of students.

“He was heavily involved in our Clinical Anatomy Skills Centre, which brings together expertise from the College and the University of Glasgow in the simulation of surgical skills. He also played an important role in supporting and promoting our heritage as a Royal College.

“His passing is a sad loss to the College community, and to those he worked with and taught.”

Professor McDonald grew up in Dumfriesshire before studying Medicine in Glasgow, taking an intercalated degree in anatomy during his undergraduate studies. After a short period of clinical practice, he returned to the anatomy department, undertaking a PhD. He became a Professor of the University of Glasgow in 2018.

He was an Honorary Secretary of the British Association of Clinical Anatomists, and became editor of its academic journal, Clinical Anatomy. He later became president of the Association in 2014.

Professor McDonald’s expertise in Forensic Anatomy was also used to assist Police Scotland, and the University of Glasgow’s Forensic Anatomy department.

Professor Christine Goodall, Dean of the College’s Faculty of Dental Surgery, said: “Stuart was a great friend to the College. Since we learned of his passing, we have been overwhelmed by the warm comments and messages we have received, both from his former students, and from those who worked with him.

“Stuart will be remembered with fondness as both a teacher and an expert in his field, as well as for his warm personality and inspirational drawings. He really was one of a kind.”

Category: College