In Memoriam: Dr Michael Earnest Scott, MD, FRCPI, FRCP
Harriet Wheelock

In Memoriam: Dr Michael Earnest Scott, MD, FRCPI, FRCP

It is with regret that we record the passing of our greatly-esteemed colleague Michael Scott on the 22 July 2018 at his residence Laurel Vale House, Drumbeg, Co. Down. He qualified in medicine from The Queen’s University of Belfast in 1963. He had an outstanding undergraduate career and was chosen to undertake an intercalated BSc as an adjunct to his medical training. This opportunity was by invitation only to the brightest and best students and was reserved for those predicted to achieve future academic and consultant posts in the rapidly expanding National Health Service.

Following qualification, he continued to excel in his postgraduate studies, receiving his MD in 1969 also from Queen’s, and soon found his niche in cardiology. In due course Michael was appointed to a consultant post in cardiology based at the Belfast City Hospital. Cardiac disease involving middle aged males was a great killer in the second half of the twentieth century. Unusually, Michael chose to follow a career interest in preventive cardiology.

Among his many other interests was his commitment to the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and was awarded Fellowship of the College in 1975. Michael was very ecumenical in his outlook and he felt strongly that it was his duty to build bridges between medical colleagues in the north and south of Ireland. He was very committed to the Corrigan Club, which sought to promote understanding between physicians across the island. He was also a keen member of both the Irish and British Cardiac Societies.

Michael served on the Council of the College of Physicians for many years and was a regular examiner. He was also chosen to the be the Vice President of the College in 1991-2. He held the position of Dun’s Librarian from 1997-2005. During his tenure in this position he led the project to publish the book ‘Patients, Potions and Physicians’, which was a social history of medicine in Ireland. He was also instrumental in the acquisition of the personal diaries of Dr Kathleen Lynn to the archives, which remain one of our most treasured items.

RCPI's current and former Dun's Librarians in 2013
(l-r) Prof Davis Coakley, Dr John Murphy, Dr Michael Scott, Dr Paul Darragh

Michael was also a truly inspirational teacher of outstanding stature, both physically and mentally. Throughout his career, he went out of his way to support and encourage younger colleagues for which many are still very grateful.

Outside medicine, one of Michael’s principal interests was the study of English literature. Following his retirement, he was involved with the department for Life Long Learning at Queen’s. He was one of the most enthusiastic students, regularly volunteering to read his poetry compositions to the assembled classes of critical mature students.

Michael planned an arboretum in the extensive grounds attached to his home at Laurel Vale. Together with Maureen they planted some 3000 trees from all parts of the world. Each year other residents of Drumbeg were invited to visit the grounds to learn more about this fascinating pastime.

Michael is survived by his wife Maureen, son Patrick, daughters Catherine, Rachel and Mary and grandchildren.

Paul Darragh,
Dun’s Librarian, RCPI