Doctor, medical officer and first British surgeon to perform a successful Caesarean section. Name: James BarryCategory: AlumniRole: Doctor and Medical OfficerTime active with Edinburgh Medical School: 1809 to 1812 The story of James Barry is one of the most remarkable in the University of Edinburgh’s history. Born Margaret Ann Bulkley in 1789, James lived as a man throughout his medical education and career. James studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh from 1809 to 1812. Working initially at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, he joined the army as a medical officer and was stationed in Cape Town, Mauritius, Jamaica and the West Indies. He later rose to the rank of inspector general, in charge of military hospitals. While at Cape Town, James was the first British surgeon to perform a successful Caesarean section, saving the lives of both mother and baby. He/him pronouns are used to refer to James Barry as these are the pronouns he used throughout his life. This article was published on 2026-03-11
