Chair of Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, Dean of Edinburgh Medical School, and Chief Medical Officer for Scotland. Name: John BrotherstonCategory: Previous staffRole: Chair of Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, Dean of Edinburgh Medical School, and Chief Medical Officer for Scotland.Country of origin: Edinburgh, ScotlandTime active in Edinburgh: 1955-64, 1977-83 Born in 1915 in Edinburgh, the son of Margaret Brotherston [add link to her page], John led a distinguished career as the Chair of Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, Dean of Edinburgh Medical School, and chief medical officer for Scotland. He transformed medical education at the University of Edinburgh, revising the undergraduate curriculum. He also strengthened links with universities abroad, most notably the London School of Hygiene and Johns Hopkins University, USA. He is remembered as a leading voice for the importance of maintaining efficiency of health services in the field of public health, establishing the first international course for a diploma in medical services administration. John’s influence in public health extended far beyond the UK. He worked closely with the World Health Organisation, attending every World Health Assembly during his career as a member of the British delegation. This article was published on 2026-03-11
