PhD Studentship: SGSAH CDA Project - A Hidden Migration History: South Asian Medical Professionals in Scotland 1872-2022

Key facts

• Opens: Monday 15 May 2023
• Deadline: Monday 19 June 2023
• Number of places: 1
• Duration: 3.5 years
• Funding: Home fee, Stipend

Overview

This project explores the history of South Asian medical professionals in Scotland. It seeks to understand the experiences of South Asian medical students and professionals in Scotland, the connections between British Indian medical institutions and Scottish licensing institutions such as the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the role of medical networks in the experiences of South Asian medical professionals.

Eligibility

Applications for this studentship must have:

• honours degree (high 2:1 or 1:1) and a
• masters degree in History (with Merit / Distinction) or cognate discipline.

Project Details

There is little to no existing research on the history of South Asian doctors in Scotland. This research proposal emerges from a partnership between the AHRC EDI Leadership Fellow project ‘EDI in Scottish Heritage’ (2021-2022) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) which uncovered the records of the first South Asian licentiates at the college in 1872 (see https://heritageblog.rcpsg.ac.uk/2022/08/05/a-history-of-the-first-south-asian-licentiates/). The short heritage placement that uncovered this information formed the basis of a public event and a blog. Feedback from the public event (primarily attended by medical professionals) asked for more information about the history of South Asian doctors in Scotland. This proposal is a direct response to the desire for more information to help raise awareness of the breadth and depth of South Asian life and history in Scotland.

The purpose of this project is to address a gap in knowledge about the history and significance of South Asian doctors and medical professionals in Scotland.

The research will be guided by five key questions: 

• What were the experiences of South Asian medical students and professionals in Scotland and how did these change over time?
• What were the connections between British Indian medical institutions and Scottish educational and licensing organisations such as the RCPSG?
• What were the specific ties between Scottish medical institutions and the British Empire in India?
• What role did medical networks play in the experiences of South Asian medical professionals?
• How does the early history of South Asian licentiates inform contemporary social issues connected to South Asian students and migrants in Scotland?

In order to answer these key research questions, the project will draw on a variety of sources including archival sources based at the RCPSG, medical journals, and oral history interviews with South Asian medical professionals trained in Scotland (and potentially their families) about their personal and professional experiences.

The project will also allow the student to develop their public engagement experience. This will include engaging with South Asian community groups to raise awareness of relevant findings and the engagement, designing and delivering 3 public events (1 a year) to present preliminary findings and/or run panels on related topics to bring together interdisciplinary expertise. During the second or third year, the student will also undertake a 3-6 month placement at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in order to further develop their archival research skills and knowledge of public engagement.

Further information

Open to both Home and International applicants.

Funding details

Home fees & student stipend at standard SGSAH rates & travel costs for field study/research trips etc. International applications are welcomed but if successful, would need to fund the difference between Home & International fees per annum for the duration of study.

Supervisors

Primary Supervisor: Professor Laura Kelly (History).

Additional Supervisor/s: Professor Churnjeet Mahn (English) and Ross McGregor (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow)

Contact us

Informal queries may be directed to Professor Laura Kelly (L.e.kelly@strath.ac.uk)