University of Glasgow Medico-Chirurgical Society
| Institution | University of Glasgow |
|---|---|
| Location | Glasgow, Scotland, UK |
| Established | 1802 |
| President | Charles Anthony Gallagher |
| Vice president | Douglas Young |
| Treasurer | William Thompson |
| Members | 700 |
| Website |
www |
The University of Glasgow Medico-Chirurgical Society is a student society at the University of Glasgow which organises social and educational events for medical and nursing students at the University. The current President (2016–2017) is Charles A. Gallagher of Glenavy, Northern Ireland.
History
Founded in 1802, Med-Chir is one of the oldest medical societies in Scotland[1] The society was formed twelve years before practising physicians and surgeons in Glasgow began to meet for formal instruction.[2]
It is one of the oldest societies in the University and was instrumental in founding the Glasgow University Union in 1890, along with the Glasgow University Dialectic Society, Comunn Oiseanach Oilthigh Ghlaschu, and Glasgow University Athletic Club.[3] It retains close ties with the Glasgow University Union.
Activities
The University of Glasgow Medico-Chirurgical Society, AKA MedChir, is one of Glasgow University’s longest running societies and has been making Thursday nights fun since 1802. MedChir are responsible for organising the biggest and best social nights, educational events and sports for Glasgow University Medical Students.
MedChir also raise money for a different charity each year. Previous year's chosen charities have been SeeMe, a mental health organisation looking to end the stigma surrounding mental health. The chosen charity for 2016–2017 is yet to be confirmed.
MedChir organise major social events, with the highlights being the Annual Medical School Ball, the Revue (all-medic talent competition, won by Emeli Sandé during her time at Glasgow),[4] Field Trip and Beer Olympics. They also offer talks from the most prestigious speakers in their fields, events for students to practice their clinical skills and hold joint evenings with the Royal College of General Practitioners and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. MedChir members participate in the Scottish and Northern Irish Medics Sports tournament (SNIMS) every year, hosting and winning the event in October 2012.
Additionally, 'Surgo' has been MedChir’s in-house publication since 1935 and it provides a light-hearted look at medic life as well as anything else that catches the editorial team’s eyes.[5]
MedChir has its own medics Football, Rugby, Netball, Badminton, Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee and Hockey clubs.
Former Members
Many illustrious former members maintain a link with the society and the MedChir Life Members Tie has been spotted on more than a few occasions, notably when Sam Galbraith presented the Scottish Cup. During the 2011-12 session the MedChir Life Members Badge was introduced.
Archives
The archives for the University of Glasgow Medico-Chirurgical Society are maintained by the Archives of the University of Glasgow (GUAS).[2]
References
- ↑ Shaw, AB (July 1968). "The oldest medical societies in Great Britain". Medical History. 12 (3): 232–244. doi:10.1017/s0025727300013272. PMC 1033825
. PMID 4875610. - 1 2 Downie, James Walker (1908). The Medico-Chirurgical Society of Glasgow, 1814-1907. Presidential Address. Glasgow : Macdougall. p. 2. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
- ↑ "Records of Glasgow University Medico-Chirurgical Society, student society, University of Glasgow, Scotland". University of Glasgow Archives. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
- ↑ Anderson, Helen; Pye, Richard (2009). "Interview with Emile Sandé" (PDF). Surgo. 82 (2): 8–9.
- ↑ "Surgo Glasgow". Scribd. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
