Graduate, retired obstetrician and gynaecologist. Name: Mary HepburnCategory: AlumniRole: Graduate (1973), retired obstetrician and gynaecologistTime active with Edinburgh Medical School: 1973 graduate Many of the women under my care lived with addictions or had difficult lives. Having compassion for people in their own circumstances, but not condoning their choices, helped me to support them. They confirmed nonjudgemental care was the most important factor and taught me that the best health care comes from truly listening to what people need rather than assuming we already know. Mary Hepburn spent her early years in Shetland. She graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1973 and trained as a general practitioner then an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Mary established the pioneering Glasgow Women’s Reproductive Health Service, based at Glasgow Royal Maternity Hospital. For 25 years, Mary led this service which provided specialist support for women, including community clinics for addictions, HIV infection, mental illness, or experience of homelessness, domestic abuse or sexual assault. Mary used her education to support women at the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Her expertise has helped many organisations, including the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, to develop and improve reproductive healthcare all over the world. This article was published on 2026-03-13
