Douglas Watson Lamb

Douglas graduated from Edinburgh Medical School in 1944 and went on to become a pioneer in his field of orthopaedic surgery with an international reputation for innovation, integrity and compassionate care.

He was particularly known for his work in limb surgery and the care of congenital hand anomalies. In the 1950s, he spent a period in Los Angeles, studying hand surgery with Dr Joseph Boyes and gaining experience in the care and rehabilitation of those with complex and significant disabilities.

Back in Scotland, Douglas held various appointments before becoming consultant surgeon at the Princess Margaret Rose Orthopaedic Hospital (1960-1988).

Douglas’s skills were critical when the thalidomide tragedy emerged in the UK the early 1960s. Douglas also worked closely with colleagues in other disciplines, notably bioengineering, to develop prostheses and other devices to help patients.

Douglas was a fellow of the British Orthopaedic Association, and held many wider appointments throughout his career, extending his reach and impact. He was committed to educating others and this included organising the annual instructional course in surgery of the hand at the Princess Margaret Rose Orthopaedic Hospital for many years. He also published a number of books on the practice of hand surgery.

Douglas died in 2001 and his legacy is said to continue to inspire and inform surgeons today.