Perhaps it’s the river breeze. Perhaps it’s the weight of history. Whatever it is, something palpable hangs in the air around St Thomas’ Medical School.
Welcome. Today we explore the storied past of St Thomas’ Medical School. It stands as one of the UK’s oldest and most respected medical institutions. Established around 1550, St Thomas’ has been a cornerstone of medical education for centuries.
Originally part of St Thomas’ Hospital, founded much earlier in 1173, the school has deep roots. Its origins trace back to the St Mary Overie Priory in 1106. Imagine students walking these grounds centuries ago. They were laying the foundation for modern medicine.
In 1900, St Thomas’ Medical School became a part of the University of London. However, it maintained its close ties with St Thomas’ Hospital. This bond remained until 1948. This connection ensured students received practical experience alongside their academic learning.
A significant change occurred in 1982. St Thomas’ merged with the medical school at Guy’s Hospital. Together, they formed the United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals or UMDS. Later, UMDS was absorbed by King’s College London.
Interestingly, while the hospital eventually dropped the possessive “s” in its name, the medical school retained it. So it remained St Thomas’ Medical School.
Many notable figures have walked the halls of St Thomas’ Medical School. Thomas Wharton an anatomist known for his work on the submandibular duct once taught here. William Cheselden a surgeon skilled in removing bladder stones also contributed his expertise. Astley Cooper a renowned surgeon and anatomist further enriched the school’s legacy.
Alumni of St Thomas’ have made significant contributions worldwide. Takaki Kanehiro discovered the link between beriberi and diet. Charles Scott Sherrington received the Nobel Prize for his work on neurons. W. Somerset Maugham the famous writer also studied here. Max Theiler developed a vaccine for yellow fever earning him a Nobel Prize. Harold Ridley invented the intraocular lens revolutionizing eye surgery. Richard Doll established the link between smoking and cancer.
Graduates of St Thomas’ have consistently become leaders. They have shaped healthcare in the UK and across the globe. They contribute significantly to medical advancements.
Even today the legacy of St Thomas’ Medical School continues. It thrives within King’s College London. Its impact resonates through generations of medical professionals. The pursuit of knowledge, the dedication to healing, and the commitment to progress. These values are the cornerstones of St Thomas’ Medical School. Its story is etched into the very fabric of medical history.