- Founding of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh: Founded in 1505, making it one of the oldest surgical corporations in the world. The college has played a key role in the development of modern surgical techniques and education.
- The Royal College of Physicians: Founded in 1681 and has been providing professional development for physicians throughout their careers.
- Development of Anaesthesia: In 1846, Scottish physician James Young Simpson discovered the anaesthetic properties of chloroform. This allowed surgeons to perform complex procedures without causing, which greatly improved the safety and efficacy of surgery.
- Discovery of Penicillin: In 1928, Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the first antibiotic to be developed. This discovery revolutionized medicine and saved countless lives.
- Advances in Medical Imaging: In the 1970s, British electrical engineer Godfrey Hounsfield developed the first computed tomography (CT) scanner, which uses X-rays to produce detailed images of the body. This invention led to the development of other imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET).
