OTAGO UNIVERSITY.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 313, 14 June 1875, Page 4

OTAGO UNIVERSITY.

A deputation waited on his Honor the Superinte dent a few days ago to bring under his notice matters concerning the University, The following is the report published in the Daily Times of what took place with reference to the medical school: — Dr Stuart stated that the most important businei 8 they had to bring before his Honor was a recommendation respecting the hospital in its relation to the medical teaching. It seemed that some alteration was desired ? in the system under which the hospital was managed, in order to adapt it to the purpose of a medical school; and Dr Menzies would tell his Honor that the changes wished to be effected would not injure the hospital, but .would probably promote its usefulness, and make it at the same time serve the purpose of a medical school. Dr Menzies mentioned that Professor Coughtrey, when at home acting under the authority of the University Council, had made inquiries at the different medical schools as to the terms upon which they would recognise the teaching of the Otago University, and he found, as he had expected, that it would be necessary to make some alterations in the matriculation examinations. He also found, as he must have anticipated—as any professional man would have anticipated-—that in order to recognise the medical teaching to be given here, clinical teaching—that is to say, practical instruction in the hospital—was absolutely indispensable in connection with these lectures. These facts he had ascertained from Dr Coughtrey in conversation, and Dr Coughtrey also mentioned to him that, as all his papers were not yet unpacked, he could not furnish full details of the arrangement he had made. Dr Menzies then produced the following recommendations from the Professorial Board of the University. “ That the Dunedin hospital be utilised for the purpose of medical examination. “That in order that the education given at the Dunedin hospital may be recognised by the chief medical licensing bodies in Great Britain, the following changes are necessary —(1.) That the wards be divided into medical and surgical wards. (2.) That two efficient medical men be appointed to the surgical wards, and two others to the medical wards, and that the services of these gentlemen be obtained for the purposes of clinical instruction, (3.) That an efficient medical man be appointed to reside within the hospital, to rank as assistant to the clinical teachers, and as resident medical officer. (4.) That the dispensary of the hospital be placed on such a footing, and so conducted, as to render it subservient to the instruction of classes in dispensing, or pharmacy practice. (5.) That these changes be effected carefully but quickly, so as to enable the Otago University to use the hospital practice and clinical instruction for the purpose of medical education.” Dr Menzies said it was necessaay that an hospital, in order that its clinical practice be recognised, should have 100 beds; but as this had 200, there would be no difficulty. It would be necessary, to carry out the alterations, to supersede the provincial surgeon in the sole charge of the hospital, which he hitherto had, and this was necessary, as the teaching of one professor would not be recognised at home, and it would be impossible for the provincial surgeon to teach more than one class. He wished to make the reason for the change clear; it was necessary that there should be several teachers. His Honor—There must be at least four; Dr Menzies—We recommend four. His Honor—What amount of expense will be involved in this change ? Dr Menzies thought it would reduce the • expenses. While he was not sure it would diminish the expense, the additional staff would be honorary. The resident surgeon would be attached to the hospital, as now, but the provincial surgeon would not get the same salary as now in connection with the hospital. At all events, the four gentlemen would be honorary surgeons; It might be necessary for a time to give them a honorarium, but certainly not a salary, and in the course of a few years the class fees would be a considerable source of emolument. His Honor hailed with great satisfaction the proposal to have the hospital associated with the medical school ; in fact, made a portion of it, and he thought it would be satisfactory for everyone who took an interest in it. Dr Menzies said it was wished to have the matter brought under the notice of the Government at once, so that there would be plenty of time to make arrangements. Until next session it was not necessary that the hospital should be under this altered form. The first year’s students would not be ready for hospital practice, and in the second year it would be desirable that the hospital be opened to them. The University Council wanted to know if the Government would agree to the proposals, so that there could be plenty of time to make arrangements. His Honor would submit the matter to the Executive. He supposed there would be no important alteration in the hospital building. Dr Stuart—None whatever. There were nine or ten wards in the hospital ; they were in splendid order, they were very large—perhaps some of them too large—and no alterations would be required. His Honor was exceedingly glad that the Council had taken the matter up so speedily. He had always looked forward to the starting of a medical school.