Edinburgh’s First Medical Officer of Health

Join the University of Edinburgh Medical School to find out about Sir Henry Littlejohn’s enormous legacy to the city as its first Medical Officer of Health.To Sir Henry's bicentenary on 8 May 2026, Paul Laxton presents an exploration of his life in the round - surgeon, public official, forensic expert, family man, and more.

Paul taught at the University of Liverpool for 33 years specialising in urban and economic history and the history of cartography.

He is co-author with Richard Rodger of Insanitary City: Henry Littlejohn and the Condition of Edinburgh (2013).This event is part of a series of activity created to mark 300 years of medical education in Edinburgh.

Alongside a year-long events programme, work continues to reflect on the past and chart a course towards a more equitable future.

To find out more visit the Edinburgh Medical School 300 website.