21 June 2013

Graduation first for dentists and medic

picture shows dentists Jennifer (left) and Charlene (right)

Three graduates at the University of Dundee achieved a landmark today by becoming the first to graduate with three degrees.

Dentists Jennifer Galloway and Charlene Kasaven and medic Christopher Merrick are the first to complete an integrated Masters research degree alongside their other studies.

The option to continue with a research Masters beyond the established intercalated Bachelor of Medical Science degree was only introduced in June 2010. Jennifer and Charlene both graduated as Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Master of Dental Science, having already completed the intercalated Bachelor of Medical Science.

Christopher graduated as Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and Master of Science, in addition to the intercalated Bachelor of Medical Science.

Professor Peter Mossey, from the School of Dentistry, said Jennifer and Charlene's achievements marked a first for dental education in the UK.

'Their successful completion of this programme of research alongside their clinical studies represents an historical landmark in Dental Education in the UK, and was all the more remarkable in that it was achieved with ongoing excellence in their clinical studies,' said Professor Mossey.

Professor Rami Abboud, from the School of Medicine, helped devise the Masters programme and said it could help breed more clinical academics, engaged with research.

'Combined with a thorough research supervision and mentorship programme, it is expected that this kind of initiative will attract very able and highly motivated graduates to consider an academic career, enhance research and help address the problem of the dearth of clinical academics in the UK,' said Professor Abboud.

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