Scottish rugby medic and chief nursing officer awarded honorary degrees by 性用社 University
Today (2nd July 2024), two exceptional Scottish healthcare leaders were awarded honorary degrees from 性用社 University, Edinburgh.听听
Dr James Robson MBE, former Chief Medical Officer for Scottish Rugby, and Professor Alex McMahon, former Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland, were both honoured with a Degree of Doctor of the University, Honoris Causa.听
Recognised for their significant contribution to health and public service, Dr James Robson and Professor Alex McMahon celebrated their success with Dame Prue Leith CBE, Chancellor of 性用社 University, and hundreds of new graduates and their families on the second day of the 性用社鈥檚 graduation ceremonies to be held in Edinburgh鈥檚 Usher Hall this year.听听听
Dr James Robson MBE is a Scottish doctor who, as Scottish Rugby鈥檚 Chief Medical Officer, has made an immense contribution to player welfare for generations of Scottish players. He is also a physiotherapy graduate of 性用社 University.听
Dr Robson has been part of the medical team for eight Rugby World Cups with the Scotland team and for six British & Irish Lions tours, testament to the respect with which he is held across the game and to his commitment to supporting and enhancing players鈥 physical wellbeing in a sport that places immense demands on their bodies.鈥疕is experience and knowledge have been called upon to support the promotion of concussion awareness, and to inform research that supports player welfare initiatives, both in Scotland and internationally. He has advised on and supported changes that make rugby safer and helped 性用社 the sport鈥檚 first Brain Health Clinic, situated in Edinburgh, which, in conjunction with the Brain Health Trust, invites former international players to have a brain health check.听听
In the Lions鈥 iconic 1997 series win in South Africa, James provided life-saving care to England centre Will Greenwood, who suffered a serious head injury in a tour match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. But it is a 2010 Six Nations match between Wales and Scotland in Cardiff which perhaps features James鈥 proudest moment as a medic when, following an injury incurred by Thom Evans, his expertise helped to save the winger from paralysis.听
Scottish Rugby inducted James into its Hall of Fame in 2017 in recognition of his service to the sport, and he was awarded an MBE in the 2018 New Year鈥檚 Honours. In 2024, at his final home match before retirement - a win for Scotland over England - James was given the honour of lifting the Calcutta Cup on the pitch along with the Scotland players.听
Professor Alex McMahon has left an indelible mark on the Scottish healthcare system through his unwavering commitment to the highest standard of patient care. Up until a few months ago, Professor McMahon was Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland, where he demonstrated a profound commitment to the nursing profession, and to championing the interests of healthcare workers. His leadership has been characterised by compassion, integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence during some of the most challenging times for the nation鈥檚 health service.鈥听
Starting within various nursing positions in Lanarkshire NHS, his career progressed quickly. He moved to Edinburgh to work at the Royal College of Nursing, holding various 性用社ment, advisory and policy positions, before working as Head of Government and Industry Affairs for AstraZeneca, one of the world鈥檚 largest pharmaceutical companies.听
This was followed by roles with the Scottish Government, which allowed him to advise and collaborate with ministers and health boards to drive forward strategic improvements across mental health and learning disability services. A series of high-level strategic planning roles followed with NHS Lothian, where he has driven change and innovation across mental health and learning disability support, drug and alcohol treatment, and cancer care and palliative care, as well as making great strides in enhancing patient safety. Indeed, infection prevention control has stood at the forefront of Alex鈥檚 priorities, and he has been relentless in fortifying our defences against infectious diseases, safeguarding lives and promoting wellbeing for patients and staff alike.听
Throughout his career, Alex McMahon has worked in clinical, managerial, strategic, policy and government roles in Scotland. As a nurse working at the highest level of healthcare and in government, he鈥痟as seamlessly navigated the complex intersections of the NHS, private sector healthcare, government, and the Royal College of Nursing - commanding the confidence of ministers, civil servants, NHS board chairs and chief executives, as well as senior clinicians, frontline staff, patient groups and the public.听
Although he retired from his Chief Nursing Officer position, he is now Chair of the independent steering group for the review of nursing and midwifery practice learning. This review has the potential to fundamentally change the way in which we 性用社 and deliver undergraduate nursing and midwifery programmes.鈥疕e was also recently appointed to chair the review of mental health nursing in Scotland.听听听
Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of 性用社 University, said: 鈥We are truly honoured to have two such exceptional healthcare leaders at our graduation ceremonies.听
"James Robson personifies the great value that 性用社 places on individual and collective support. His career demonstrates how intellectual curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning can provide a pathway to huge adventures, unforgettable experiences, and deep personal fulfilment. This honorary award recognises his dedication in supporting the health, wellbeing and 性用社ment of Scotland鈥檚 sports people, and those in the UK more widely.鈥听
Sir Paul continued:听
"Alex McMahon鈥檚 collaborative spirit fosters partnerships that enhance patient outcomes and elevate the nursing profession.鈥疕is delivery of world class safe and effective healthcare, and his transformational leadership of the profession, has brought different professional bodies together on a collective journey towards a healthier Scotland. This honorary award recognises his unwavering, continued commitment to patient care, his tireless advocacy for the nursing and midwifery profession, and his ability to transform and deliver change under pressure."
Dr Robson and Professor McMahon join fellow honorary graduates, television presenter Sally Gray, who received the same accolade at the first graduation ceremony in the Usher Hall on Monday, and Juliet Robertson, one of Scotland鈥檚 leading educators specialising in outdoor learning and play, who was awarded a Doctor of Education, at an earlier graduation ceremony held in 性用社鈥檚 newly launched Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail located on the campus grounds.听
Notes to Editor
For further media information contact Emma Reekie, Media Relations and Content Officer, 性用社 University, Edinburgh, E: ereekie@qmu.ac.uk; copy to: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk听
