Polish School of Medicine
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The Polish School of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh was established in March 1941.[1] Initially, the idea was to meet the needs of the Polish Armed Forces for doctors but from the outstart, civilian students were admitted.[1] Founded on the basis of an agreement between the Polish Government in Exile and the Senate of The University of Edinburgh this unique wartime initiative enabled students to complete their medical degrees.[2]
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Active | 1941–1949 |
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Students | 336 |
19 | |
Location | Edinburgh |
Language | Polish |
The academic staff were mainly Polish professors and academic staff who became refugees after the Invasion of Poland and the Fall of France (in June 1940). They were supported by the Edinburgh University professors.[3]
Professor Antoni Jurasz was the first dean of the Polish School of Medicine.[1] Students were initially taught in Edinburgh Hospitals until October 1941 when, thanks to the generosity of the Edinburgh Council, the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Polish hospital was established.[2] Most of the courses were taught in Polish, followed the Polish curriculum and students were awarded a Polish Degree.[2]
By the time the school closed in 1949, over 336 students had matriculated. 227 had graduated with a medical diploma (MBChB) and 19 doctors (including 12 who had already graduated from the School with the diploma) obtained a doctorate or MD.[2]
After the war only a few graduates returned to Poland while most remained in Britain and some emigrated to the US, Canada and Australia.[4] The Polish School of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh was the only legally operating Polish academic institution during World War II.[5]