Catherine Elliott

Two-time Edinburgh graduate Dr Catherine Elliott returned to the University to become College Registrar for Medicine and Veterinary Medicine after roles in clinical medicine and medical law in London.

Your time at the University

I grew up in Holywood (the Northern Irish one) and after a school trip, when we were 14, I was really keen to come to Edinburgh to study Medicine. I loved the city and the history of the medical school.

I had a brilliant time, although was perhaps not the most diligent student, especially in my early years! We were taught by some amazing and inspiring people. I enjoyed the clinical years most and spent some very interesting times in the Borders, Dumfries and other hospitals beyond the Royal and the Western.

I was a barmaid in the Bristo bar (now Paradise Palms for some reason) and that was a great social hub for students from many different courses. I still sometimes meet people who recognise me from the bar there! I made fantastic friends in Medicine and other courses – a group of about ten of us still meet for an annual weekend and the friendships made at University have remained a very important part of my life.

I made fantastic friends in Medicine and other courses – a group of about ten of us still meet for an annual weekend and the friendships made at University have remained a very important part of my life.

Tell us about your experiences since leaving the University

I am now College Registrar for Medicine and Veterinary Medicine (MVM) at the University of Edinburgh and still do a clinical session every week.

I trained in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and had quite a traditional clinical academic career, doing an MD in Edinburgh and then moving to London where I was a Lecturer and completed my clinical training.

I had always been interested in law and so I did a distance learning Masters in medical law and ethics. That inspired me to leave clinical medicine for a while and work in medical law. Serendipity then led me to the Medical Research Council where I led on areas of clinical research strategy and developing policy around law and ethics of medical research. This was a fascinating job, and included being at Parliamentary debates on changes to the law governing medical research. I was also able to contribute to support for clinical academic training which I am passionate about.

I moved back to the University of Edinburgh just over three years ago to take up my current role and have absolutely loved being back in the City. It is such a beautiful place to live and, much as I liked London, Edinburgh outshines it (except the weather!) I am also fortunate enough to continue my clinical work in an antenatal clinic for complex pregnancies. I have been back in touch with many of my previous classmates and the friendships and network of alumni is a great part of working here.

Alumni wisdom

You can’t control everything that will happen in your life – be open to unexpected chances that come along, even if they are unexpected or not part of your plan.

Related Links

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

Medical Research Council (external link)